Coyne hails players after FA Cup victory against Scunthorpe

Posted Monday, December 03, 2018 by PA

Danny Coyne hailed Shrewsbury’s performance after Aaron Amadi-Holloway’s first half goal sent them through to the third round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over League One rivals Scunthorpe.

The visitors had a late chance to force a replay, but Josh Morris saw his spot kick saved by goalkeeper Steve Arnold as Shrewsbury won for the fifth time in six matches under Coyne, the club’s goalkeeping coach.

Coyne, put in charge on a temporary basis following the departure of former manager John Askey last month, was delighted with his side’s efforts.

He said: “They were battling for everything. They worked hard for each other, going forward and defending as a team.

“As an overall performance together, they just had it. A togetherness showed on the pitch at both ends.

“To not give up anything towards the end of the game as well, just to close it out was very pleasing to see.”

Amadi-Holloway’s 35th minute strike, a powerful low shot from the edge of the penalty area after receiving a pass from Alex Gilliead, proved to be the winner.

Coyne added: “A great strike. We’ve been saying it to him for a long time shoot because he was a centre back years ago, he’s grown up as that, so when he’s been playing at centre forward his natural thought is to lay it off to somebody else.

“We’ve said when you’re facing the goal hit it because he’s got a heck of a strike on him, so that was pleasing because we have been working on that in the background and to see him do that today credit to him. Hopefully he can kick on now.”

Scunthorpe were awarded an 88th minute penalty for a push on Lee Novak, but goalkeeper Arnold preserved Shrewsbury’s lead with a fine save from Morris.

“All the lads are buzzing for him because he’s a great lad,” said Coyne, the former Wales international goalkeeper.

Scunthorpe manager Stuart McCall was not too hard on Morris for the missed penalty.

He said: “When you miss a penalty kick with two minutes to go, especially with Josh Morris on it, a free hit from 12 yards, you’d expect him to put it in. But it’s a good save by their goalkeeper. Everyone misses penalties.

“I thought it was an even game, a tight game. We’re not on the greatest run. I think that’s them won five out of six. Obviously we’re depleted with injuries and suspensions, so we had a good go today.”

McCall added: “I think there were times when we should have done better in front of goal, but disappointing to be out. I thought we did enough in the game to be taking them back to our place if I’m honest.”