Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans accused the referee of making a “disgusting” penalty decision in their 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, a result that extended Rovers’ losing streak to three matches.

The lone goal came in the 75th minute when Shrewsbury were awarded a penalty after Will Boyle was fouled inside the box by Joe Quigley. George Lloyd calmly converted from the spot to secure the victory for the home side. However, Evans vehemently disputed the penalty call, alleging that Lloyd was offside during the set-piece and criticizing the referee’s judgment. “I think it was a poor game, even by League Two standards,” Evans said. “We were the better team in the second half, but we just watched an absolutely disgusting decision. I’ve had enough of the head of referees apologizing for decisions like this. Goals and calls change games, and that was a disgusting decision.”

The match saw limited clear-cut chances in the first half as Shrewsbury started strongly, with Kian McMahon-Brown and Sam Stubbs both testing Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Brad Young early on. The visitors gradually gained more control as the game progressed, with Bobby Kwama and Tom James attempting shots before halftime. After the break, Stubbs missed another opportunity, heading a corner straight at Young.

Shrewsbury’s victory came despite disciplinary issues late in the game. Jay Turner-Cooke received a red card in the 81st minute following a challenge on Shaq Forde, and Isaac Fletcher was also dismissed for a high boot on Arvin Appiah during stoppage time. Both sides finished the match with 10 men.

Shrewsbury manager Gavin Cowan praised his team’s consistent performances and work ethic, noting that the result marked three wins and two draws in six matches for his side. “I’m just so proud of my players for their attitude and the way we’ve worked,” Cowan said. “Our performances have been really consistent, and today they did everything we asked of them.”

The defeat leaves Bristol Rovers struggling to regain form as they continue their push for improvement in League Two, while Shrewsbury consolidate their position with a run of positive results.