Shrewsbury Town analysis: It's the hope that kills you!
Defeat to Stevenage was another sad but familiar view of Shrewsbury Town’s sorry campaign.
Just when you thought Town would claim victory after two encouraging performances, they faltered, and found it difficult to break down a resolute Stevenage side.
It was fine margins that separated the sides and saw the Boro complete a league double over Shrewsbury - for the second season in a row, and the loss was another painful blow in Town’s fight for survival.
However, the hosts could have easily come away with the three - vital - points.
The woodwork spared the visitors twice while Salop thought they deserved a penalty when George Lloyd was dragged down in the box, and their appeal had justification.
The forward tried to be a constant threat. But, as head coach Gareth Ainsworth alluded to, it just didn’t come together for Shrewsbury.
It wasn’t through no lack of effort as Town began with intent and Aaron Pierre had the home fans in full voice when he earned an early corner.
In fact, if you just heard the crowd, you would have thought Shrewsbury were winning the game throughout.
Stevenage did their defensive duties and began searching for a way through the Salop defence. And, it took less than eight-minutes to gain the lead as Harvey White’s shot from the edge of the penalty area took a hefty deflection off Aaron Pierre and beat Jamal Blackman at full-stretch.
