
Delighted Gavin Cowan hailed the fighting spirit of his Shrewsbury side after their last-ditch 2-2 draw against Fleetwood.
The visitors were in command at the hour mark following a Taylor Perry own goal and a Crispin McLean strike.
Josh Ruffels gave the Shrews hope when he turned home Iwan Morgan’s corner in the 72nd minute.
Ismeal Kabia then hit a stunner from 30 yards to rescue a point six minutes into added time.
“We discussed with the players about clawing back some dignity,” he said.
“The fans pay good money to support their club. We have brought a bit of soul back to the club and getting that goal was the epitome of that and nothing less than we deserve.
“Their first goal was an out-and-out foul.
“We need to do better for their second goal.
“We deserved at least a point when you think about the attitude and application of the players.
“It could have been very different. There is a bit of dignity and integrity clawed back from what has been a difficult season.
“It was a great strike to get level. We spoke at half-time about being braver.
“We felt we had Fleetwood’s card marked and it was very difficult for them to hurt us, which was why it was difficult to accept their first goal because it was a blatant push at the back post.
“But you have to take the punches and we wanted to be more on the front foot in the second half.”
Frustrated Fleetwood boss Matt Lawlor felt his side had paid the price for not controlling key moments.
“It is incredibly frustrating that we have not taken all three points,” he said.
“There are controllable moments that we are just gifting away.
“It is becoming a habit and it’s something we need to address this week and in pre-season next year.
“It will not be like this next season. It is a terrible habit that we have just got to crack. No-one will work harder than me to crack that.
“I don’t have the answers right here, right now. It must be a mentality that needs to flip.
“There has been five or six years of being below average at this club and that’s really unkind of me.
“I know hard work has gone into it but it has been a failing club.
“We need a reset this summer and we need to turn the positivity we have created in performances into results.
“There are some positive moments and positive performances such as Crispin (McLean) getting his goal and being really outstanding.
“Those performances are what I want and allow us to build for next year.”


