Exeter manager Gary Caldwell praised his players for picking up three crucial points under pressure against relegation rivals Shrewsbury.
After Josh Magennis had missed a penalty, Caleb Watts’ clever header straight afterwards gave his side the lead before an exquisite volley from Demetri Mitchell sealed the win for the Grecians.
“It was a great result and it was a very difficult game,” Caldwell said. “It is never easy to play games of this magnitude in terms of the league placings and at this time of the season, every point is crucial.
“I thought the mentality of the group and the quality we showed at times was very good, we could have scored more goals if we had shown a bit more composure and a bit more quality but why we didn’t is understandable at this moment.
“A key thing was a clean sheet and I think the defenders and Joe (Whitworth, goalkeeper) were the foundation for this victory. The more clean sheets we get in our remaining games, the more points we can pick up and, like I have always said, make this a successful season.
“Where we finish in this league table is really open and we have to keep on pushing to finish as high as we possibly can. It is one defeat in the last five games now, positivity is coming into the group, the togetherness is coming into the group and there is a real spirit amongst everyone.”
Shrewsbury manager Gareth Ainsworth felt his side lost the fight at St James Park and apologised for the performance.
“It was very disappointing and I want to apologise to the supporters that travelled down here,” he said.
“I have been in the dressing room and told a few home truths because that was one of the few times where I have had to tell them it wasn’t good enough.
“We got outfought today and that is not like us. I don’t like my teams getting outfought and you have to earn the right to play at times. It wasn’t the football that let us down today, it was the fight and the thinking – they were the two things that let us down today.
“First half, we played against a team that dropped deep because they know we like to get the ball in behind and we still played in behind when we should have dropped deep and break some lines.
“In the second half, we just didn’t win the fight. I don’t think it’s a problem because it’s the first time I have seen it, but I won’t let that happen. We have to go out there and die for the cause.”
