Shrewsbury Town’s dramatic draw at Rotherham United has been followed by a positive injury update on George Lloyd, criticism of the officials from Gavin Cowan and reports of clashes involving supporters in Sheffield.
Salop recovered from Paul Mullin’s quickfire double to lead through goals from Josh Davison, Josh Ruffels and Will Boyle. However, Tom Bradshaw’s equaliser secured a 3-3 draw, with both clubs finishing with ten men after Kian Spence and Kian McMahon-Brown were dismissed.
Lloyd Given All-Clear
The most encouraging development concerned Lloyd, who was stretchered off towards the end of the first half with a neck injury. Cowan initially indicated there were positive signs, before the club confirmed the striker had left hospital. In a statement reported by the Shropshire Star, Shrewsbury said:
“George has been given the all-clear following further investigations and scans. The club would like to thank our head of medical Chris Skitt and all the medical staff involved in his care.”
Lloyd has scored four League Two goals this season, including strikes in both matches immediately before the Rotherham trip. His discharge provides welcome reassurance following a concerning incident, although the statement did not set out a timetable for his return.
Cowan Questions Officials
Cowan’s assessment of the match was considerably less positive, with the Shrewsbury boss questioning decisions surrounding Rotherham’s equaliser and McMahon-Brown’s dismissal. Speaking to the Shropshire Star, he argued Boyle had won a legitimate header before a free-kick was awarded.
“Boyley heads the ball into the back of their lad’s head and he gives a free-kick. We’re getting points despite the referees and the officials now, and that’s what’s really disappointing.”
Cowan also claimed Rotherham moved the resulting free-kick five yards forward, although he acknowledged his players still needed to defend the situation better. He said he had asked the referee at half-time to remain strong amid pressure from the home crowd, rather than seeking preferential treatment.
McMahon-Brown was subsequently sent off after pushing Joe Rafferty, a decision Cowan disputed after reviewing footage. The manager believed the challenge on his player warranted a dismissal and argued the midfielder’s reaction was protective.
“He pushes him on the midriff almost to protect himself, to keep him away. And then the lad falls on the floor, they make a big deal of it.”
Reported Clashes In Sheffield
Away from the ground, the Shropshire Star reported allegations that Shrewsbury and Sheffield Wednesday supporters clashed at Sheffield railway station on Saturday evening. Wednesday fans were returning from their 2-0 defeat at Doncaster Rovers, while Salop supporters were travelling back from Rotherham.
Witness accounts alleged glass bottles were thrown between groups on a platform, prompting a substantial police response. One witness estimated around 50 police vehicles attended, with photographs showing numerous vehicles outside the station shortly before 7pm.
An eyewitness quoted in the report described the disorder as the worst they had seen in ten or 15 years. Further smaller incidents were also reported as other supporters passed through the station later in the evening.
At the time of that report, it remained unclear whether anyone had been arrested or injured. South Yorkshire Police, British Transport Police, West Mercia Police and the ambulance service had been approached for further information.
Shrewsbury now turn their attention to a return to the Croud Meadow next weekend, when they will face former manager Gareth Ainsworth. Cowan will be looking to build on the point earned in South Yorkshire after surrendering that second-half advantage. There was no confirmation of Lloyd’s availability for that fixture.
