Gareth Ainsworth admits there is 'no shame' for Shrewsbury to lose to Bolton

Salop went into the match against Steven Schumacher's side having not lost in their last three third-tier fixtures. 

But that run came to a halt on a cold and miserable day in Shropshire as Town were deservedly beaten 3-2 by their visitors Bolton. 

Ainsworth was his usual determined self post-match, but he did admit they came up against a strong outfit in Schumacher's side. 

"The run comes to an end," he reflected. "Against a very good Bolton side. In the second half, they really showed what a fit, strong outfit they are. 

"Fair play to them. The players they are putting on the pitch at the end - they should be higher in the league. 

"He has inherited a good squad, and there is no sort of shame in saying you are were beaten by the better team there. 

"Second half, they were quick slick, and we ran out of steam, I will say that now. I think a few of them were just lagging, and it was Vadaine Oliver's first real big game since November. 

"You cannot replace games. Match fitness is match fitness. Having said that, Vadaine has emptied the tank for me. We have given a league debut to Ricardo Dinanga. 

"I am proud to do that, but in the end, we are scrambling a bit. I stuck Toto up front to try and get some bits off him."

Salop took the lead in the 20th minute when Bradford loanee, Vadaine Oliver, nodded in from close range. 

Town were good in the first period and deserved their lead at the break, but Eoin Toal's leveller just before the hour mark saw the visitors hit back. 

Not even five minutes later, they had turned the game around completely when John McAtee scored. 

The former Shrewsbury youth player then scored again to make it 3-1 when he placed the ball beyond Jamal Blackman. 

Despite Luca Hoole adding a late consolation, it was the first home defeat since December - when they lost 4-1 to Wycombe - which was also the last time Ainsworth's team conceded three. 

"Correct me if I am wrong, but three or four months ago, I think this team would have been four or five at home," he continued. "We have come back to 3-2 and I think nobody expected that apart from me and probably the boys. If you get one, then let's get another. 

"If you let three goals in then it is difficult to get anything out of games. It is a blip in what has been a fantastic run of games it really has. 

"I saw signs towards the end of the first half. They were coming onto us. It is tough, but we are what we are. We will get back on the horse on Tuesday and give a good account of ourselves again. 

"We worried one of the league favourites, and that is credit to Shrewsbury." 

Ainsworth also revealed George Lloyd and Aaron Pierre will be close to featuring against Huddersfield on Tuesday night.