Shrewsbury Town manager Gavin Cowan has allayed fears over two key players after they picked up knocks in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Northampton Town. The win at the Meadow lifted the club to 18th in League Two on six points from six games, a welcome result after a recent run of three defeats in five matches.
Kevin Berkoe, who joined the club in January, scored his first goal for Shrewsbury to double the lead just before half-time. He was later substituted after taking a heavy tackle to the leg. Midfielder Jay Turner-Cooke, who had returned to the starting line-up, also appeared to be clutching his hamstring and was replaced in the second period.
Cowan's humorous assessment
After the final whistle, Cowan moved quickly to reassure supporters about the fitness of both players. "I don’t think it’s anything a cuddle wouldn’t solve," he told reporters. "I think a nice little cuddle and they will be all right." He later confirmed, "Yeah, all good."
The manager shifted focus to the performance, praising the collective effort that secured the three points. "I just think it’s a reflection of the hard work, the desire, and doing a job-and-a-half all over the pitch," Cowan said. He emphasised the need to earn the right to play against a competitive side like Northampton, who have started the season strongly.
Building on a vital win
The result, with goals from Kian McMahon-Brown and Berkoe, halted a slide that had seen heavy losses to Fleetwood Town and Rochdale. The clean sheet was a particular positive, given the team had conceded ten goals in the opening six league fixtures. Cowan was pleased with how his players adapted their approach.
"What I was pleased about today is certain players have been trying to get on the ball and make things happen," he explained. "But you have to earn the right first."
With the immediate injury concerns dismissed, attention turns to maintaining momentum. The squad's depth will be tested across a busy schedule, and fans can check the upcoming fixtures to see the challenges ahead. The victory provides a platform as Shrewsbury look to climb from the lower reaches of the standings, currently sitting six points behind early leaders Barnet. The next match offers a chance to build consecutive wins for the first time this season.
