Disappointing draw for the Gas

Last updated : 06 September 2004 By Chris Barnes

Ian Atkins sprung a few surprises in his team selection, picking Junior Agogo, Jamie Forrester and Lee Thorpe in a three pronged attack, Forrester coming into the team to replace the rested Ali Gibb. Elsewhere the team was unchanged, Craig Hinton keeping his place ahead of John Anderson as Atkins stuck with a back four. On the bench Aaron Lescott replaced Dave Savage, due to the latter player being transfer listed - we exclusively revealed this story on 1 September and it has since been confirmed by the official website.

In Shrewsbury's line-up ex Gas trio Scott Howie, Kevin Street and Trevor Challis were in the eleven, the Blackthorn End taking the time to applaud all three, especially Challis who served the club for many seasons. Shrews boss Jimmy Quinn also named star striker Luke Rodgers in his team.

Rovers attacking line up started brightly, Stuart Campbell and Steve Elliott both missed from range and Junior Agogo's header from Campbell's free kick was similarly lacking in direction.

The brightest moment of the game came when Forrester found Thorpe with a neat pass, before the former Leyton Orient forward exchanged a quick one two with Agogo. Thorpe used his power and pace to blaze towards goal but shot across the face of goal, beating not only Scott Howie but agonizingly the onrushing Junior Agogo as well.

Shrewsbury's chances were limited, despite the constant danger of Rodgers on the counter attack. Rovers also became quieter as the half drew onward and the heat took its toll, Campbell with a tame effort at Howie, and another wide header from Agogo was all they had to show.

The second half appeared at first to be a brighter prospect, as Jamie Forrester found his way into the game providing some better final balls into Thorpe and Agogo, Thorpe blazing another opportunity wide. Atkins attempted to make changes bringing on Gibb for the lively Thorpe, and Walker and John Anderson for Trollope and Hinton, but the changes appeared to increase the lack of shape in the team and the game drifted away in the heat towards a 0 - 0 draw.

After the final whistle Atkins appeared to be slightly disappointed not to have won a game against an underperforming team, but took heart from the fact that the Pirates were still unbeaten and lying second in League 2.