Fleetwood Town vs Shrewsbury Match Recap - Nov 22, 2025

Fleetwood Town Dominates Shrewsbury in a 3-1 Victory, Solidifying Mid-Table Aspirations

Fleetwood Town's commanding performance against Shrewsbury Town not only secured a 3-1 victory but also highlighted the stark contrast in recent form between the two sides. Fleetwood, now sitting comfortably in 13th place with 23 points, showcased their attacking prowess and tactical discipline, while Shrewsbury's struggles deepened, leaving them languishing in 21st with just 16 points.

Fleetwood's midfield control was evident, as they dominated possession with 71%, a significant increase from their previous matches where they often struggled to assert themselves. This match marked a turning point for Ryan Graydon, who continued his impressive form by scoring early and contributing to the team's overall attacking rhythm. His ability to penetrate defenses has been crucial, and today he proved once again why he is a key player for Fleetwood.

The defensive structure of Shrewsbury faltered under pressure, allowing Fleetwood to exploit gaps effectively. Despite their recent win against Newport County, Shrewsbury's backline was unable to cope with the relentless attacking waves from Fleetwood. The visitors managed only 29% possession, a stark contrast to their previous match where they had more control. This inability to maintain possession reflects ongoing issues within their midfield, which has struggled to support both defense and attack.

Fleetwood's passing accuracy of 71% further underscores their dominance in this match. They completed 28 passes compared to Shrewsbury's mere 12, showcasing their ability to maintain composure and precision under pressure. This efficiency allowed them to create multiple scoring opportunities, leading to three goals that ultimately sealed the game. The contrast in passing metrics highlights a systemic issue for Shrewsbury, who have consistently failed to connect effectively in recent outings.

Shrewsbury's lone goal from Ismeal Kabia came too late to influence the outcome, as it arrived in the 83rd minute when the game was already well out of reach. This late consolation does little to mask the fact that Shrewsbury has now conceded three goals in a match for the second time in their last three fixtures. Their defensive frailties were exposed repeatedly, and without significant adjustments, they risk further descent into the relegation zone.

Fleetwood's tactical setup under coach Peter Wild paid dividends, particularly with their formation allowing for fluid transitions between defense and attack. The 3-1-4-2 formation provided width and depth, enabling players like Matthew Virtue-Thick and Lewis McCann to thrive in midfield roles. Their contributions were pivotal, with Virtue-Thick adding to the scoreline and demonstrating his growing influence on the pitch.

Shrewsbury's coach Michael Appleton faces mounting pressure as his side continues to struggle for consistency. Despite a promising start to the season, their recent form has been disheartening, with only one win in their last five matches. The team must find a way to balance aggression in attack with defensive solidity if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone.

Fleetwood's recent form has shown signs of resurgence, particularly after a series of frustrating draws. This victory marks a crucial step forward as they aim to build momentum heading into their next match against Milton Keynes Dons. The confidence gained from this performance could be vital as they seek to solidify their mid-table position.

The contrasting trajectories of these two teams are stark. Fleetwood's ability to convert chances into goals stands in sharp relief against Shrewsbury's ongoing struggles. The latter must regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming fixture against Gillingham, where anything less than a win will further complicate their fight against relegation.

Ryan Graydon's consistency has been a bright spot for Fleetwood, and his performance today reinforces his status as a key player moving forward. With six goals this season, he is proving to be a reliable source of offense, and his partnership with Ched Evans continues to develop positively.

Shrewsbury must look to Anthony Scully for inspiration, as he remains one of their most potent attacking threats despite inconsistent performances. If he can find his scoring touch alongside John Marquis, there may still be hope for Shrewsbury as they navigate this challenging period.

The implications of this match extend beyond just three points; it serves as a reminder of the importance of tactical discipline and execution in League Two football. Fleetwood's victory not only boosts their confidence but also places additional pressure on Shrewsbury as they grapple with their identity and strategy moving forward.

With both teams facing pivotal matches ahead, the stakes are high. Fleetwood will look to capitalize on this momentum, while Shrewsbury must regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to turn their season around. The narrative of resilience versus struggle continues as these teams navigate the complexities of League Two football.