Shot in the arm for Latics

THIS ONE’S FOR YOU . . . Athletic’s players salute the 187 travelling fans. Pictures by ALAN HOWARTH

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Shrewsbury 0, Athletic 1

CARL Winchester's super strike helped Athletic win for the first time under John Sheridan, adding impetus to the club's push against relegation.

Winchester twisted, turned and struck home a well-taken effort in an opening half in which Sheridan's men – without a victory in 10 games – were lively and attack-minded.

There could have been more goals, both in the first half and late in the game, when substitute Rhys Murphy twice threatened.

But while nerves were frayed in the final six added minutes, Athletic were value for this victory. One down, eight more to go on Sheridan's initial 'wins' target.

This was a first in the league since Chesterfield were beaten in November and it was no coincidence that it came with secret signing Anthony Gerrard in the side. The arrival of Gerrard was kept deliberately hush-hush to keep his former employers off the scent.

And the big centre-back got his head in the way of everything Shrewsbury could throw, leading a resolute effort in securing a clean sheet.

With Brian Wilson out due to a groin injury, Sheridan reshuffled his back four to allow Gerrard to partner Timothee Dieng as James Wilson lined up at right-back.

Gerrard – loud, proud and a renowned organiser – represents exactly what Athletic have missed since Adam Lockwood left last June.

Athletic started the first half strongly and barely relented. Matt Palmer should have hit the target with a side-footed shot in the ninth minute that just went over.

Athletic's best attacks came down the left and it was this flank that led to the opening goal after 24 minutes. Gerrard won an aerial duel and Dominic Poleon laid a pass back from the line. Palmer switched the ball inside to Winchester and he feinted to pass to the overlapping James Wilson before turning back on to his left foot and sweetly striking a low left-footed effort past Jayson Leutwiler from 22 yards.

The lead handed Sheridan's side confidence, and Athletic began the second half as they finished the first, on the front foot.

Liam Kelly tested Leutwiler's reflexes with a powerful drive from 40 yards, while the Shrews' frustrations were made clear by manager Micky Mellon’s second substitution after 57 minutes, with ex-Athletic man Richie Wellens making way.

Rhys Murphy replaced the tiring Poleon as Athletic tried to maintain energy and he went close in seconds, twisting and turning before firing in a shot Leutwiler saved with his legs.

Andy Mangan's instinctive try from near halfway, which landed on the roof of Joel Coleman's goal, was as close as the home team got to levelling, despite a couple of late scrambles.

At the other end, Murphy threatened twice as Athletic broke late on, once forcing a low save from the legs of Leutwiler.

Thankfully, Athletic weren't made to regret their missed chances.