Although Shrewsbury’s manager Paul Hurst acknowledges that keeping a clean sheet will aid in their survival attempt, he does not think his team is being “cut apart” by other teams.
In Hurst’s first game back in charge, Town’s only clean sheet in the previous 16 games came against Northampton.
His team’s position is precarious, and every point they score will take them closer to playing in League One the following year.
Hurst stated, “It doesn’t matter if we win 2-1 or 3-2, but naturally, you want clean sheets as straight away the minimum you are getting is a point.”
“As I’ve mentioned, each point matters. Ironically, I believe that the only clean sheet we had came from that first game after our return, at Northampton.
It is difficult because sometimes you get punished, but I don’t think either keeper on Saturday had a lot on their plate.
The fact that they are leading could also mean that they are not attacking with as many players, which would explain why the keeper is not being tested.
“I hope that can change because I don’t think we are being divided too much. Maybe on one of those days when we have 20 shots on goal and the keeper has a worldie, we manage to keep a clean sheet.
“It is not something I will be losing sleep over, but I would like that to change.”
On Saturday, Town will play a six-pointer for relegation against fellow struggling team Port Vale at Vale Park.
Regarding his team’s defensive performance, he also expressed the opinion that many of the goals they are giving up are “avoidable.”
Overall, I believe that we are essentially giving away somewhat simple objectives. “On Saturday, both goals were preventable,” he continued.
“The boy ran well for the second, and (Karamoko) Dembele hit a nice ball, but I believe we had an opportunity to clear it before that.”
“We were penalised after we had the opportunity to clear it the first time.
“I am aware that set plays are very popular. However, they have not been free of clean contacts and headers; instead, there has been a lack of clearance at the front post or in the second phase, but it is still a part of the problem, so we cannot ignore it.
