Gareth Ainsworth honesty after Shrewsbury slump to third defeat in a row

Town were condemned to their 20th League One loss of the season to go seven points adrift from safety.

But, it was fine margins as Aaron Pierre’s early own goal supplied Stevenage the points. 

Salop hit the post twice through George Lloyd during the first-half and Harrison Biggins with his late volley, and the hosts also had penalty shouts waved away to add to their frustration. 

But, despite succumbing to their third defeat in a row and inside seven days, head coach Ainsworth insisted on looking on the bright side.

“It was frustrating. We didn’t really attack like we have been lately, they were solid, both defences were.

“I was pleased with the way we defended. There were no shots on target for Stevenage today. But, we only had a couple and it wasn’t good enough.

“We didn’t attack as well as we have done in recent games but that is league one.

“We had a plan at the start, but it didn’t really come off, we didn’t really get in behind them.

“Possession wise, it is sometimes easier not to have the ball, when you do there are a lot of decisions. There was a bit of a lack of movement, and our passing wasn’t crisp enough.

“They have given everything effort wise so cannot grumble and I’ll take the blame because it is just one of those days.

“We have hit the post twice, we had one off the line, a couple of penalty shouts, but you don’t seem to get them when you are at the bottom of the table like we are.”

Ainsworth handed David Wheeler his debut, but described the 34-year-old as “rusty”.

The Shrewsbury head coach also said his side can look forward to the return of Taylor Perry to action soon. 

“With Taylor Perry coming back next week I think we will have a full quarter to choose from,” Ainsworth added. 

Town started with an attacking front three in Vadaine Oliver, John Marquis and George Lloyd, but struggled to break down their opponents.

Speaking on Lloyd and Biggins’ misses, Ainsworth described the pair as “two great lads” and said he will “back them all the way.”

And, the manner of the decisive goal only added frustration for the head coach and his side.

After good build-up play - where it was easy for Stevenage to work the ball around the box - Harvey White’s through pass was stabbed back towards goal by Pierre and Jamal Blackman could not prevent the gutting opener. 

“The own goal is not great, but they haven’t had a shot on target in the game,” Ainsworth continued. 

“We have got to take our chances though, we were inches away. We didn’t attack well, and that was the whole team.

“Again, it is a single goal which is a positive, we defended well, I asked for more at half time in possession.

“They tried to pass around but it wasn’t crisp enough.”