Shrews manage to tame many in League Two

Last updated : 04 June 2007 By Paul Smith

Final Position: 7th (Lost in Playoff final to Bristol Rovers)

Top goalscorer: Michael Symes (13)

Player of the Season: Ben Davies. Signed from fellow League Two outfit Chester City in the summer on a free transfer, Davies has been one of the bargains of the season and crucial in the Shrews' somewhat unexpected playoff finish.

Davies... A creative and goalscoring force

A lively and wily customer, Davies bagged an impressive twelve goals from midfield, including crucial goals in wins over Peterborough and Stockport and most importantly in the final day 2-2 draw with Grimsby that got the point needed for seventh place.

Against Notts: The sides met early in the season at Meadow Lane in Notts' first home game of the campaign.

That man Davies fired in the games opening goal just a minute after half-time after Derek Asamoahs excellent run and cross was turned towards the goal by Kevin Langmead. Langmead's shot was parried by Kevin Pilkington but fell kindly to Davies who buried with ease.

Notts replied through Mike Edwards who latched onto a Gary Silk free-kick to head past the onrushing goalkeeper, Ryan Esson.

At Gay Meadow in Notts' final ever game there Shrewsbury looked to have seriously ended Notts' playoff hopes with a comfortable 2-0 win through Asamoah and Leo Fortune-West.

Defining moment: February was a crucial month for Gary Peters' lingering playoff ambitions with games against strugglers Boston United, Wrexham and Mansfield Town aswell as Notts.

With the Shrews sitting in mid-table a run of three wins and one draw helped them into a playoff berth where they largely stayed until the end.

Asamoah... Lively opponent
Highlight:
The playoff semi-final second leg win at the MK Dons was not only a shock but a fine result and performance.

After a boring 0-0 draw at home, many believed the Shrews had blown their chance of reaching League One.

However, they produced their best performance of the season to win 2-1 at the National Hockey Stadium and participated in the inaugural League Two playoff final at the new Wembley.

Lowlight: Losing that final. A season of hard work, and plenty of positives ultimately ended over ninety minutes.

Despite taking an early lead the Shrews didn't really turn up in their most important game for years as Bristol Rovers swept them aside 3-1 pushing Shrewsbury into another season of League Two football.

The Mad verdict: A season that probably didn't offer much ended with utter disappointment that League One football wasn't reached.

That alone tells how Gary Peters aided his sides transformation with stunning home form crucial.

A dogged side, Peters moulded an outfit difficult to beat and with some flair players in Asamoah and Davies who could turn a game in an instant.

Peters... Defied many this season

NCM were shocked at their continual rise given their small squad and how they were so untried.

They defied most before them and can be pleased with the efforts, up until the final at least where they were complacent after taking a lead.

What's next? A new stadium beckons with the New Meadow to host Shrewsbury for the first time next year.

Peters has named four new signings already with Glyn Garner, Darren Kempson, Darren Moss and David Hunt all joining an already strong squad.

This points to another successful year with promotion the aim… supporters can't be disappointed.