Shrewsbury return to League One summit

Posted Wednesday, February 14, 2018 by PA

Shrewsbury moved back to the top of the table thanks to a late 2-1 victory at Fleetwood’s Highbury stadium.

Wigan’s shock 2-0 defeat to Blackpool and substitute Nathan Thomas’ late winner ensured Paul Hurst’s side moved back up to top spot.

Shrewsbury had the monopoly of the chances in the first half but Omar Beckles and Jon Nolan wasted golden opportunities for the Shrews.

And they struck in first half injury time just seconds after Fleetwood should have taken the lead.

Paddy Madden’s first-time effort was thwarted by a brave Luke Hendrie sliding challenge. Beckles then led a charge up the other end that eventually saw Nathan Thomas whip the ball in for Shaun Whalley to nod home his 10th of the campaign.

Fleetwood boss Uwe Rosler took a gamble sending on two fresh strikers into the mix for midfielders Toumani Diagouraga and Jack Sowerby and switched from 4-4-1-1 to three up top and it paid dividends.

It was not one of the substitutes, though, but Madden who pounced on some shaky set-piece defending by the Shrews to bundle home a 60th minute leveller.

But this Shrewsbury team never gives up and substitute Thomas popped up with an 82nd minute winner as Fleetwood fell to within two points of the drop zone after their fourth straight league defeat.