Joey Barton was pleased with John Marquis’ application after Bristol Rovers claimed a 2-0 win at Shrewsbury.
Just before Marquis grabbed his goal, he was involved in a controversial decision at the other end of the pitch.
Shrewsbury won a corner in the 70th minute and the ball reached the back post where Chey Dunkley was lurking.
The Salop captain looked to have been bundled to the floor by Marquis, but referee Tom Reeves waved away the appeals.
Three minutes later, the away side broke the deadlock when Aaron Collins drilled in a low cross to Marquis, who, from close range, tapped home at the near post.
Rovers wrapped up all three points in the 90th minute when Collins bundled the ball over the line to get his side’s second league win of the season.
Barton said: “I thought lots of aspects of it (the game) were really good. It’s a tricky pitch and they have obviously prepared that for us!
“It didn’t allow us to play the way we wanted to play, which is entirely at their discretion as it’s their stadium, but I thought we had to remain calm and patient.
“They have tested us as well and got some vital blocks in there and good defending at times.
“Jevani Brown came on and found that little pocket and a great through ball to Aaron (Collins). (It was) a hell of a ball in from Az (Aaron) and it wasn’t an easy finish that, so I’m delighted for John.
“I thought his attitude and application in the midst of the Jonson Clarke-Harris saga was first class and he kept working hard and didn’t get disappointed and sulk and moan because we were linked with another striker, and as it was, that didn’t happen.”
Shrewsbury boss Matt Taylor said: “I felt we were comfortable in the game. We most definitely had the better moments up to the point at which they scored, which is avoidable, but we weren’t ruthless enough in the final third.
“We created 12 chances and haven’t scored again, so we’re getting in those areas. We were on top for the majority of the game until they scored.
“We concede a goal from a mistake and it puts a pin in all the hard work that we’ve been doing.
“Now, we haven’t scored enough goals, so we must look at that and accept that and address that.
“So the players are understandably upset that we’ve lost a game of football where I feel it should be a 0-0 at worst for us.
“Joe and his team will be happy; it’s the perfect away performance for them. They’ve hit us on the counter-attack and scored from a set play.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Liam Delap has been booked. If Arsenal get Gabriel Heinze as assistant coach Throwback when Pepe was surprised that referee gave only a yellow card to Sergio Ramos.. This lol This I guess I won't be needing this anymore... Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, thefootballarenaa, FootballLaughss, MaguireSkills, Foot...
Fabrizio Romano reports on his YouTube channel that in recent hours there have been new conversations between Arsenal and Noni Madueke's camp.Romano adds that he believes Madueke could be open to the transfer, given this second round of talks. If the winger had no interest in the move, presumably his camp would have shut things down immediately.The journalist clarifies that this doesn't mean Madue...
Catalan publication Sport claims that the Blues are "willing" to pay €40m (£34m) for the young Spaniard, who has caught the eye with his performances at the Club World Cup.Garcia has scored 3 goals in 4 appearances, including the winner against Juventus in the last 16 earlier this week.Even so, Real may be open to selling the 21-year-old, but Sport suggest they may want to include a buy...
Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi remain in negotiations to extend the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's contract beyond the end of 2025, a source told ESPN.Despite recent reports linking Messi to clubs in other leagues, both Inter Miami and the Argentine captain remain interested in continuing their relationship on the field.Messi signed with Inter Miami in July 2023 on a two-and-a-half year Designat...
Szczesny poised to extend Barcelona stay with new dealBarcelona are on the verge of securing a contract extension with experienced goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who is expected to sign a new two-year deal, sources told ESPN.Szczesny had previously acknowledged receiving an offer from Barca in May but requested some more time to evaluate his future. The Polish international has now decided to commi...
Chelsea take on Palmeiras in the quarter-finalsChelsea manager Enzo Maresca has tempered expectations ahead of Friday’s FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras, stating that ‘football is full of surprises’.The Premier League side secured their place in this stage by defeating Portuguese giants Benfica, while Abel Ferreira’s team overcame Brazilian rivals Botafog...
REVEALED: Agents almost wrecked David's dream Juventus moveJonathan David pushed his agents to accept a major cut on their commission to seal his move to Juventus.In Turin today for his Juve medical, there was a danger of the move collapsing due to the demands of David's agents.A free agent from Lille, David's agents wanted a massive €25m to place the player at his next club, says Tuttosport...
Forest to bid for Leicester defender Kristiansen linked with Roma and EvertonNottingham Forest are said to be keen on Leicester City defender Victor Kristiansen this summer despite interest from other clubs.Leicester were relegated from the Premier League last season, having only gained promotion the year before and will be hoping to keep the squad together ahead of the new campaign where the Foxe...
Five Man Utd stars ask to leave including Rashford, Antony, Garnacho and SanchoFive Manchester United stars have informed the club that they wish to leave this summer after much transfer speculation.After the club’s worst season in history which saw United finish 15th in the Premier League, get knocked out of both domestic cups, and be beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final, five pla...
Garnacho intends to stay in the Premier League after Man Utd departureAlejandro Garnacho has informed Manchester United that he wishes to leave the side this summer as he hopes to join another Premier League club.Garnacho was told he could leave United in May after complaining he was only on the bench for the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. He, as well as Tyrell Malacia, Marcus Rashford, ...
- 1 Liverpool willing to make swap proposal to Palace for Guehi
- 2 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 3 Raphinha happy to see Barcelona miss out on FIFA Club World Cup
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Mystery blonde who had night out with Kieran Trippier
- 6 Sporting CP president Varandas: Gyokeres knows price he can leave for
- 7 Frustrated Arsenal turn to Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Cristiano Ronaldo to join up with Portuguese boss at Al-Nassr
- 10 Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner