Shrewsbury came into their first home league fixture on the back of a well-deserved victory against Championship side Blackpool. Mark Ellis’ knee problem meant Micky Mellon was forced to make one change from the side that started against Blackpool. Demetriou came into the starting eleven slotting in at left back with Knight-Percival moving into the centre to partner Goldson.
Tranmere set up in a defensive 4-5-1; first half they created several chances including the scrappy goal that gave them a first half lead. A cross from the Tranmere left side was not cleared by Demetriou, Laird cut the ball back for Bell-Baggie who put the ball into the back of the net – a poor goal for Salop to concede. Tranmere are not a dirty side in terms of hard-high tackles, however they are a side that loves to pull shirts, obstruct the opposition when trying to play the ball and kick/throw the ball away. This was a tactic Tranmere employed all game; they clearly respected Town’s ability. Shrewsbury lined up in a 4-4-2 formation.
In the first half Shrews did create chances, but they were rather ponderous in possession and lacked the pace of passing that troubled Blackpool. Town’s one-dimensional attack was focused down the flanks with the aim of getting the ball into the box. Tranmere in their 4-5-1 sat deep and made it hard for Shrews to play the ball to feet, closing down quickly and packing the box. This created a huge amount of space in front of the Tranmere penalty area. Shrewsbury didn’t try to exploit this space. I am sure Mellon and his team will pick this up in their analysis. Town need to mix their attacking approaches as only focusing on the flanks makes Town much easier to defend against. Salop lacked movement and it wasn’t too much of a surprise when Mellon took off both strikers. Akpa-Akpro and Mangan were given their opportunity after 74 minutes. On the 90th minute Town made the game 1-1 when Demetriou’s cross was met by Mangan who tapped the ball home. Goldson cut the celebrations short, with time ticking away, there was still the possibility of winning the game. A calm approach to the last couple of minutes saw Mangan cross for left-back Demetriou to head in the winner on 94 minutes. The Shrewsbury fans jumped to their feet in elation. It has been sometime since Shrewsbury fans have witnessed such a fight back. Something made clear by the number of fans who had already left their seats. A good come back by Town and good start to the home league campaign. The use of the flanks did create both goals, however it wasn’t generally an entertaining or exciting game. A plan B would have created more chances.
Shrewsbury Town manager Micky Mellon told BBC Radio Shropshire:
“One thing that I must make clear is that I love Tranmere as a club, but we no way deserved anything but a victory today – to keep knocking on the door and to deliver the way we did was fantastic.
“I am delighted for the three lads who came in, and we deserved to win the match. There is a real sense of character in the group of players here, some real guts about us and we want to win games of football.
“We need to be a bit more slicker, and maybe we haven’t been as good as we have been, but I am really pleased for everyone here and for the exciting finish.”
Tranmere didn’t attempt to win the game in the second half. Their negative approach gave the initiative to Salop. Despite not looking the same attacking force as Tuesday night, winning games when not playing well could be viewed as a sign of a promotion winning team. Lets hope so!
The Conical
PS. Micky Mellon’s team looks to keep possession and play the ball to feet. Some Town fans can be very frustrating. They want their team to attack, get the ball forward and have very little patience. The atmosphere on Saturday was different to Tuesday night when the fans didn’t get on the back of the players when they passed the ball around the back. I am happy for Town to keep the ball and wait for the right pass to a man in space, as long as midfielders and forwards are mobile and creating space. If Town have the ball, then the opposition cannot score and they are chasing men in Blue. Some Town’s best attacks came from the ball being switched along the back line. Rant over.
The Conical 