Saturday’s visitors find themselves, like Rovers, find themselves at the wrong end of the table as we approach the end of the calendar year.
Shrewsbury Town finished as runners-up for the Papa John’s Trophy final in 2018, losing 1-0 to Lincoln City at Wembley Stadium. That same season, Salop finished as runners-up in the Sky Bet League One play-off final. Since that time, Shrewsbury Town has been unable to replicate the success enjoyed by former manager Paul Hurst.
Entering the weekend sitting 19th in the Sky Bet League One table, Shrewsbury are not only in the midst of playing their third game on the bounce away from home, but could also be without the services of top goal scorer Ryan Bowman. The former Carlisle United man forward was forced off with injury against Wigan on Wednesday evening.
Manager Steve Cotterill did not give an immediate update on Bowman’s fitness, but said he would be monitored closely prior the weekend. Salop are tied with Morecambe on points in the league table, but hold the edge on goal difference.
The visitors arrive at the Keepmoat Stadium with five wins, four draws and 11 losses this season in Sky Bet League One. Across all competitions, Salop have eight wins, five draws and 14 losses.
Away from New Meadow, the record is not what manager Cotterill and his staff are seeking. Salop has just two wins away from home this season and have recorded nine losses across all competitions on the road.
The bad news for Rovers is that both wins away from New Meadow for Salop have come in the last month, the potentially heartening news is that they are let to record an away win in the league. Shrewsbury Town defeated Stratford Town by a 5-1 score line in a first round draw of the Emirates FA Cup, as well as a second round FA Cup draw win away to Carlisle United.
When it comes to goals, Salop are averaging 0.95 goals per game, while opponents are averaging 1.35 goals per game against the club.
Salop have scored just 13 goals away from home this season (five of which came at Stratford) but have scored just five goals across all competitions against teams in the EFL. Despite that, it has been more than a month since Shrewsbury failed to score in a game.
The head-to-head between the two teams is relatively even. Shrewsbury have won five of the last 10 meetings, while Rovers have claimed three wins. Two matches have ended in draws.
Interestingly, in the last six meetings between the sides, the winning side has kept a clean sheet.
*****
Can't join us for the next game? Keep up with the action with iFollow Rovers
