Shrewsbury Town manager Gavin Cowan praised his players' spirit after they secured their first League Two victory of the season this week. The win, sealed by a second-half goal from captain Will Boyle, also delivered a first clean sheet of the campaign and ended a run of defeats.
Cowan told reporters he was humbled by the squad's response to adversity. "What can you ask when you’ve lost a few games and the players still stick to it?" he said. The result provided a vital bounce-back from a midweek EFL Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town.
The togetherness Cowan values was on full display at the final whistle. He shared a joyous group hug in the technical area with his management team, which includes assistants Jamie Haynes and Dave Edwards and goalkeeper coach Harry Burgoyne. Cowan stressed that the club's core had not been torn apart and rebuilt in the close season, a factor he believes is paying off now.
"I’m emotional and humbled by the fact that my players haven’t gone whispering and spitting poison all over each other," Cowan explained. He described the group as close-knit and connected, with players learning to trust and support one another. For the manager, this collective resilience after tough losses is a powerful sign of character.
The three points move Shrewsbury up the early League Two table. As of September 1, 2026, the team sits 18th with three points from three games, having recorded one win and two losses. Their goal difference stands at minus three, with two scored and five conceded. They currently trail early leaders Barnet by four points, a gap they will aim to close in the coming weeks. Fans can track the evolving standings throughout the season.
Cowan acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football, where good performances can end in defeat and poor ones sometimes yield wins. He emphasized the need for his team to stay passionate without becoming overly emotional. The focus, he stated, is on building something lasting for the club and its supporters.
Success and legacy are the stated aims for Cowan and his staff. He said the club gets in your blood, creating a deep desire to perform well for the fans. This first victory is viewed as a foundational step, not a final destination. The squad's current composition and spirit are seen as assets to build upon as they target consistency.
With the first win secured, attention turns to maintaining momentum. The team's schedule for the coming period is available on our fixtures page. Supporters can also review the full roster, including match-winner Will Boyle, on the official squad list. Shrewsbury Town's next match is at home against Bradford City on September 5.
