Aaron Wilbraham: Shrewsbury Town ‘let down by 20 seconds’

Town were close to recording a memorable victory in south east London following Sean Goss' magnificent diving header after half-time. But the promotion-chasing hosts struck back 12 minutes from time through Conor Washington for a share of the spoils in League One.

It was Shrewsbury, however, pushing for a late winner and Salop spurned at least two gilt-edged chances for all three points.

No.2 Wilbraham said that Cotterill, watching on from hospital and in touch via the phone, reserved plenty of praise for his players' performances, apart from allowing Washington on to his right foot in the box, where the forward was able to a squeeze a low shot through bodies and under goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne.

"The manager said on the speaker that he hoped there was a tinge of disappointment (at not winning late on) and I answered back saying there was, everyone came in really down we didn't get the win, and it's a good sign to come away to Charlton and be disappointed," Wilbraham said.

"He said he was disappointed with 20 seconds and that was it, other than that he was really happy, obviously the 20 seconds was the goal, but apart from that he was more than happy with everyone.

"He said there was some outstanding performances.

"We grew into the game again, as we did last Tuesday (at Rochdale), the players are getting stronger as the game goes on, which is a good sign.

"We looked really good on the counter-attack, as we always do, we made some good decisions and kept the ball well."

Goss' header was his third goal in five games as the midfielder continues a stunning comeback having been frozen out under Sam Ricketts.

But subs Dave Edwards and Daniel Udoh were unable to take golden late chances while fellow sub Shaun Whalley volleyed wide.

"It's great for Gossy, the manager touched on him making more forward runs at half-time and it was a great run for the goal, a great ball from Matthew Pennington," Wilbraham continued.

"Everyone was working in the shape and you can't always see that on the iFollow, they were excellent in how they stuck to the task, similar to Tuesday really, I was really impressed with them in the shape of the team."

Town enjoy a break this week before Saturday's visit of Hull, the final free midweek of the League One season. Wilbraham said the players will be allowed time to refresh and recuperate.

Defender Pennington, whose fine cross fed Goss, said: "We were disappointed with the goal, I've not seen it back, it's bobbled in and he shouldn't get the shot in, we know he's right footed. We're disappointed with that as a back five and squad but it's a decent point."