Shrewsbury 0 Stevenage 1: Third defeat in a week for Salop

Town’s third defeat in a row leaves them seven points adrift from safety ahead of visiting Peterborough United next weekend. 

An Aaron Pierre own goal inside the opening five-minutes was enough to earn Stevenage the points in a game which was dubbed crucial for town’s survival hopes. 

But, what materialised at the Croud Meadow was an all too familiar sight this season, and the loss is another painful blow in Shrewsbury’s fight for survival.

David Wheeler was handed his debut while both George Lloyd and Harrison Biggins hit the woodwork.

But, it could be argued that the hosts were fortunate to trail by just one at half-time after a series of chances for the visitors. 

Gareth Ainsworth made one change to the side that was narrowly beaten by Huddersfield as Vadaine Oliver replaced Funso Ojo in what appeared to be an attacking move.

But, in what was a disastrous start for Shrewsbury, Stevenage claimed the lead inside five-minutes to put a dampener on proceedings. 

After working the ball well, White’s goal-bound effort was stabbed home by Shrewsbury’s Aaron Pierre, but it was too easy for Stevenage in the build-up and Ainsworth urged for more pressing from his Town side. 

The Salop head coach had a moment to consult with his players when Jamal Blackman required treatment from head of medical performance Chris Skitt who was celebrating his 1,000th game working in professional football.

Shortly after on 26-minutes, Town regained possession to present George Lloyd with the best chance of the half. The forward raced through on goal and faced just goalkeeper Murphy Cooper in front of him, but hit the post with his effort before John Marquis was wide with his follow-up.

Stevenage’s Harvey White was unable to convert his free-kick for a second while Dan Kemp saw a shot deflected wide before hitting the woodwork from a tight angle. It was - again - far too easy for the away side to work the box, and Shrewsbury were grateful to enter the break trailing by one.

However, the home side felt they deserved a penalty shortly before half-time when George Lloyd was dragged down in the box. 

David Wheeler replaced Vadaine Oliver for the second-half to make his debut after joining Town in the week.

The forward immediately got amongst the action looking to make runs in behind, but Stevenage remained the most threatening, especially on the counter attack.

There was relief when Kyle Edwards dragged his shot wide after a fine run, and on came Jordan Shipley, Ojo, Harrison Biggins and Callum Stewart for Shrewsbury to try and inspire a comeback.

The home side produced a late charge to try and rescue something from the game which saw Biggins rattle the post with a sumptuous volley while Lloyd fired over.

But, it was too little too late, and a last-gasp opportunity was squandered by Biggins to sum up a frustrating afternoon where Shrewsbury were condemned to their 20th loss of the season. 

Shrewsbury Town (3-4-3): Blackman, M Feeney, J Feeney, Pierre, Hoole, Benning (Shipley, 67), Gape (Biggins, 75), Gilliead (Ojo, 67), Oliver (Wheeler, 46), Marquis (Stewart, 75), Lloyd.

Un-used subs: Young, Nurse. 

Stevenage (4-2-3-1): Cooper, Freestone, Piergianni, Sweeney, Freeman, Thompson, Roberts, Edwards (Reid, 65), White, Kemp (Phillips, 82), Hanlan. 

Un-used subs: Ashby-Hammond, Goode, King,Young, Doherty. 

Attendance: 5,694 

Referee: Michael Barlow