Gavin Cowan credits Shrewsbury’s ‘buy-in’ after first win as manager

Gavin Cowan felt “incredible” after his first win and goals as Shrewsbury manager in a 2-1 victory over fellow Sky Bet League Two relegation candidates Barrow.

After a goalless first half, Anthony Scully and Luca Hoole struck within nine minutes of the restart to get Cowan’s reign up and running at the third time of asking.

Substitute Tyler Walker pulled a goal back with 15 minutes remaining but Barrow slumped to a sixth successive defeat – five in a row under new boss Paul Gallagher.

Shrewsbury’s win lifted them one spot above the Cumbrians, who drop to 22nd place and are three points off the bottom two.

“It feels incredible,” said Cowan after a defeat and draw in his previous two games. “Credit to all the players, they were magnificent from start to finish.

“The lads have had a complete buy-in so it is credit to them. And you earn your rewards through the game.

“It was a particularly good first half from us. We felt like we were in the ascendancy.

“We spoke about being ruthless and dominant in the final third – dominating the big moments.

“There will be naysayers who don’t want to say anything positive. But when you see the lads day in day out, like I do, I know they are capable.

“We have a group of players desperate to do well. There is belief that when things don’t go well footballers don’t care.

“I have never met a footballer who doesn’t care. But I have met players who haven’t got any confidence.

“I have a lot of belief in them, I just want everyone else to have that same belief.”

Rookie boss Gallagher is already feeling the heat. Angry fans confronted him and his players after the final whistle to vent their frustrations.

“I feel for the supporters because they have the right to have a go at the end,” he admitted.

“First and foremost, we have got to compete.

“At the moment we are too nice. We had to have some harsh words in the dressing room because we are in an absolute battle.

“We have to stand up and be counted and do our jobs.

“It is too easy for the opposition to score. In the first half we didn’t look like we had the energy. They were better than us simply by wanting to compete and wanting to run.

“I am so frustrated in terms of the whole performance. I am not naive, I know you need to win.

“You need to do your best for everyone. I understand where we are but we have to find a way to get out of it.”