For Greg Docherty and Shrewsbury Town, things have been looking up under new manager Sam Ricketts.
In their first two home matches under his reign, they gathered four points. Docherty was a driving force behind those results, drawing lavish praise from the new boss.
The loanee scored in the 2-2 draw with Peterborough and assisted the only goal in the win over Coventry.
Docherty scored from range in the second minute against Peterborough on 15th December. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
However, Ricketts was brought in because the Shrews were struggling, and four points isn’t enough to make those issues go away.
On Boxing Day, they travelled to mid-table Accrington Stanley. Unfortunately for Docherty, there wasn’t much to celebrate this time round.
Two goals down after 20 minutes, they succumbed to a defeat. The midfielder was unable to drag his teammates over the line.
The lifelong Gers fan gets crowded out by Stanley players in midfield. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
In terms of the bigger picture, the loss sees his adopted club slip to 18th in League One.
It isn’t panic stations just yet, as they are still seven points clear of 22nd placed AFC Wimbledon. However, it’s still not a desirable spot to find yourselves in.
Docherty has been a stand out performer all season, racking up seven goals in 25 appearances so far.
Yet, it can’t reflect well on a player if his adopted team are relegated from English football’s third tier.
Yesterday was a set back, but at this stage of the season, there is still plenty of time for Docherty to turn his side’s fortunes around.
No need to panic, just yet. (Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images)