We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our away League One game against Oxford United.

“Clickety click two rounded sprouts, big bertha and her mother.”

“Not an away trip I greatly look forward too but top owd crack as always travelling on the Smithy bus, thank you again Rosie and John for the travel and the fans appreciate it.”

“Well in the end it was a bloody good point against an in form side, heard some slight murmurs of discontent on our containing tactics but that was our 12th clean sheet, a similar pattern to the magical season of two years ago. The only difference was we turned our nil nils into 1-0 wins, we are just lacking the firepower to be credible challengers. Salop were all over them early doors aided by a brilliant Ollie Norburn who seems to getting his fitness back game by game, some great surges from him and he looks a lot more hungrier than early on. The diamond formation in the middle was working, good to see Edwards more advanced again. Fejiri still looks a little lightweight and low on confidence to me, he seems to wait for things to happen as if he needs wet nursing, the absense of Lang has been a huge blow for us, plus the running of Whalley been a big miss too.”

“Keep saying this every week but the back line were again utterly magnificent, what a class player Golbourne is and deserves his place, despite Giles’ greatness going forward as seen in the first half against Man City his defending leaves a lot to be desired. Scott brought alot more stability to the left back role and we still have Donald Love making the forward runs on the right so its a good mix, the back 3 centre halves again were rocks and Landell was easily my man of the match as he put his body on the line for everything. We have never had three centre halves so good at one time, all of them potentially the best I’ve seen in Town shirts since Pearson n Linighan.”

“We did fade a bit in the second half, bit of owd tiredness crept in. Edwards owd back legs going a bit again but overall a good display from God.”

“We are frustrating top teams surely thats a good thing, the only slight criticism of yesterday was that we sat back a bit deep in the last 25 minutes but that was understandable. We’ve played most sides in League 1 and I’ve got to say its a pretty bang average divison, we would have gone up under Hurst 2 years ago if the divison was of the quality it is now, a bit more ambition from Sam and maybe we could be challenging higher. Slight concern we ran out of legs a bit towards the end but understandable because everyone put a shift in. Overall a bloody outstanding point. Really looking forward to Coventry next week, I can see it being a real open game, hopefully Whalley will be fit as I would start him next week and maybe Giles if theres room because there will be gaps to expose, I can see a high scoring encounter.”

“Adios till next week, Salop forever.”

“Love n jollops Biz”

Be sure to follow our resident Shrewsbury Town super fan on Twitter @Bizzylad

Bizzy

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Ahead of today’s League 1 game against Oxford United we asked fans what they think the score will be.

Les Cartwright – “2-2”

Paul Davies – “3-0 Town COYB”

Will Smith – “0-0”

Derrek Matthews – “Hard game but I would take a draw, a win would be fantastic. 2 1 to Town”

Ross Jones – “Cheeky 1-0 STFC”

Bruce Duuff – “2-2”

Paul Horvath – “They are unbeaten in 10 games, on saying that we are Shrewsbury Town and anything can happen tomorrow. We could frustrate them with a draw 0-0 or we could capitulate”

Daniel Bishton – “2-2”

John Kramer – “0-0”

Robert Leah – “1-2 Town”

Jamie Richards – “4-2 Town”

Jason Leonard – “1-0 Salop”

Mervyn Lowe – “2-1 Salop”

Pete Jones – “3-1 Oxford, tho’ I would love us to win”

Stephen Heath – “2-0 Oxford”

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

@GDTORsalop

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Here at “Going Down The Oteley Road” we will be speaking to fans of our opposition throughout the season. Ahead of our League 1 game away at Oxford United, we had a chat with a U’s fan.

What’s your name?

Steve.

Where are you from?

Bicester, just north of Oxford.

How long have you supported Oxford United?

Not sure, a while I’d say.

Who is your favourite ever Oxford manager?

Michael Appleton. I know he hasn’t done well anywhere else but he took us to Wembley and played some fantastic football. It’s memories for me personally as well getting to see my team at Wembley.

Who should we watch out for from the current Oxford team?

Fosu, when he feels like it hes incredible. Brannagan in midfield and our goalie are out injured and that’s a big blow for us at the moment.

Where do you think you will finish in the league this season?

Top 6 if we get the right players in January. If not I think we might just miss out on the play offs.

What do you know about Shrewsbury?

That we beat you with ten men away last season. You did well a couple of seasons ago in League 1 and have a few good players.

What do you think the score will be?

2-1 Oxford. We’ve been in good form on paper but injuries are taking a toll. Think we’ve got enough to see out a win at home though.

Big thanks to Steve, hope you enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews tomorrow’s away League 1 game against Oxford United.

After a defeat in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night, Town travel to an in form Oxford who are hoping to continue their unbeaten run.

Last time the two clubs met at the Kassam Stadium was last season when Oxford came out 3-0 winners. It was one of the worst games of Askey’s short tenure with Town struggling to get an attempt on goal during the game.

Town will be hoping to forget about the result and Tuesday night and earn a win at Oxford which will be a tough ask. Daniel Udoh could start due to his impressive performance coming off the bench last Saturday. Shaun Whalley isn’t too far away from coming back, as is the same with Callum Lang. New signing Ousmane Fané could make his first league debut for the Shrews, but is unlikely to start the game.

Oxford currently are unbeaten is 16 games, their main threat will be striker Matty Taylor and winger James Henry who are both vastly experienced players.

Predicted XI’s:

Shrewsbury Town:

O’Leary

Ebanks Landell

Pierre

Williams

Love

Laurent

Norburn

Edwards

Golbourne

Cummings

Udoh

Oxford United:

Eastwood

Cadden

Dickie

Mousinho

Ruffels

Henry

Gorrin

Forde

Sykes

Taylor

Fosu

Score Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Shrewsbury Town

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our home EFL Trophy game against Manchester City U21’s.

“Well maybe not the most popular of opinions but im bloody not bothered we are out of this silly competition, to be fair Citys young owd nippers were a pleasure to watch at times especially second half they lacked a bit in the final 3rd but some of there passing was some of the best ive seen by a away team at the meddah”

“As with alot of games it was tale of two halves, first half Salop were full of energy, Giles probably my pick of the pack playing his more natural left wing role as Sir Samuel went for a 4-4-2. There were chances galore from both sides and it was a really open game. An absolute worldy for Goldbourne which i bloody missed due to my irritable prostate and swollen bladder, nowt to do with the Shropshire Lad. Laurent was another stand out, very happy at half time.”

“The energy and fire of the first half evaporated in the second 45, Salop looked leggy and sluggish with some coming back from injury. There were some tired from a hard game saturday like Laurent, not sure if it was a wise move to play the likes of him and Norbs to be honest, huge game against Oxford at the weekend which would should surely take preference. Sam knows best but i wouldnt have played such an experienced side. City’s passing and movement had Town chasing shadows at times and they got a deserved equaliser from a free kick cheaply given away from another tiring player in Goldbourne, bloody missed this goal too due the owd cowd and said prostate.”

“Salop survived to the end and to penalties it went,some cracking spot kicks too and City deservedly went through.”

“Man Of The Match – i will give to Max OLeary, made some very smart saves, Salops definite #1. Hard to pick an outfield stand out player, Shop did well but maybe should have done better with a first half header. Giles was lively in the first half.”

“As I said no loss that we are out, the turnout, atmosphere and non exsistant away followings sum up what people think of this tournament, change of format needed or just scrap it. Was some good football on show though.”

“To free scoring Oxford on Saturday just hope the likes of Laurent n Norbs aren’t too tired after last night, they really shouldnt be though. A potential cracker of a game but Salop will be cautious to keep the score down so maybe a 0-0 or goal either way will be the outcome. Im now off to the Cockshutt WI’s monthly meeting and jam making evening, hopefully owd Beryl will flash us some semi covered udders bless her.”

“Love And Jollops, Biz”

Be sure to follow our resident Shrewsbury Town super fan on Twitter @Bizzylad

Bizzy

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our home FA Cup game against Mansfield Town.

“As a scanitly clad Vanessa Feltz came up towards me in a peekaboo brassiere and crotchless panties shouting “ayy up ballbag, thy mantlepiece needs poking … the fear on my face, my poor owd ring reduced to a resemblence of a nibbled satsuma, frightening times owd mon”, anyway back to the footy bit of a strange game in all honesty thought Mansfield looked the brighter team to be honest. We started off a bit sluggish and slow the atmosphere didnt help mind, Cup games now unless its against a big side feel more like glorified friendlies. Mansfield seemed a bit stronger and hungrier in the first half, a couple of hairy moments but nowt major to trouble our keeper. The game kept ambling along, Salop started to look more comfortable and you could see Mansfield were going to settle for a 0-0 and take the replay.”

“What the hell went on for the sending off I’m clueless it appered that Norburn kicked the ball straight at the Mansfield lad who was getting up, classed as violent conduct so looking at a 3 game ban but all very harsh. Salop took it as a catalyst and played with far more urgency.Local legend, the Pontsebury diva himself was superb yesterday, he was just sat behind the front two and seemed to really enjoy the advanced roll he was given nearly my MOM but that has got to go yet again to Josh Laurent. Utterly outstanding his movement, work-rate and use of the ball is second to none, be no suprise if one or two higher league clubs make enquires about him come January.

“The first choice back three solid again apart from a blip last week Beckles has been very good too but fully fit the 3 of Aaron, Ro Shaun and Landell are first choice 11 clean sheets by the end of November is brilliant and is testament to Ricketts style of play frustrating at times yes but bloody effective.”

“Slightly concerned about the lack of goals up top, Cummings looks a tad short of pace to me, but like Ollie Norbs too, the importance of a full pre season is there for all to see.”

The 3rd round awaits and a trip to Spurs away the dream draw for me, jollops in the smoke and a visit to Sohos finest establishments. I’ll never forget the smile on a japanesse businessmans face a few years back as he just purchased a multi speed rubber fist, the mind boggles what he got upto that evening…”

“A laboured but deserved win in the end, bags of character to produce a last half hour like that with a man down. Well done Sam and the lads.”

“Love And Jollops, Biz”

Be sure to follow our resident Shrewsbury Town super fan on Twitter @Bizzylad

Bizzy

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Our man who travels home and away following the mighty Shrewsbury Town Rhys Gratton, gives his views on Town’s FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town.

Shrewsbury Town V Mansfield Town (30/11/2019)

“As the covers came off after a sub-zero night in Shropshire, everyone was relieved to see that the pitch had remained unaffected and the game would go ahead as scheduled. As for the game itself it was another rather uninspiring draw for the Town as we hosted more league two opposotion, this time in Mansfield. However it was an oppurtunity for Salop to advance to the third round for the third season in a row against an out of form Stags side.”

“For the first few minutes there were worrying signs for Shrewsbury, because whilst they were struggling to string three passes together, the visitors had come out firing, and even had an early shot, although it was never troubled the returing O’Leary, as it sailed harmlessly over the bar. Before long though the hosts got a grip in the game, and would’ve gone one up but for some suspect refereeing. As the first corner of the afternoon was flicked towards goal from the near post by Aaron Pierre it looked for all the world as if it had crossed the line before visiting Keeper Conrad Logan could get across to it, but despite the protests from fans and players alike, neither the linesman or the referee signalled for a goal. Just minutes later the protests started up again, as Josh Laurent was wrestled to the ground whilst competing for an aerial ball in the box, but the signal from the ref was simply to get back to his feet. As the first half came to a close it was already becoming apparent that as Mansfield realised they were second best in the contest, they would be content with taking the game to a replay, as Salop’s dominance was obvious.”

“Despite their negative tactics, it was the Stags who had the first big chance of the second half. As they got in behind the Shrews defence down the right flank, the ball was fired across goal, giving Andy Cook an open goal at the back post, but somehow Ro Shaun Williams was able to throw himself in front of the shot and put it behind from a corner. Mansfield then got a huge boost on the hour as Town captain Ollie Norburn received a very harsh red card for a collision between his boot and the head of Jacob Mellis, although it certainly appeared as if Mellis’ head was down below knee height, however the red card was brandished, an Norburn had to walk. This actually invigorated the home side, and Mansfield still didn’t want to take risks.”

“Eventually they punished. With two minutes of normal time to go substitute Daniel Udoh found half a yard to shoot, and although his shot was saved, Logan could only push it back into the path of the oncoming Josh Laurent, who put it away. Udoh was heavily involved once again deep in injury time as Salop wrapped it up. The young striker played it through the Mansfield defenders legs on the halfway line before sprinting away and playing in Brad Walker, who cheekily rounded the keeper before slotting home into the empty net and sending Shrewsbury into the third round.”

“Overall it was a very patient performance from Shrewsbury, which was eventually rewarded with a win. My man of the match is Josh Laurent, after another dominant performance in the middle of the park, and another goal.”

“UP THE SHREWS!”

Rhys Gratton

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Here at “Going Down The Oteley Road” we will be speaking to fans of our opposition throughout the season. Ahead of our FA Cup Second Round game at home to Mansfield Town, we had a chat with a Stags fan.

What’s your name?

Richard Wolden.

Where are you from?

Mansfield.

How long have you supported Mansfield Town?

I’ve been attending Stags games for 47 years.

Who is your favourite ever Mansfield player?

My favourite player as a boy was Terry Eccles as he knew where the back of the net was.

Who is your favourite ever Mansfield manager?

Favourite manager has to be Ian Greaves who guided us to Wembley and victory in 1987, when Wembley was a special achievement to get there.

Who should we watch out for from the current Mansfield team?

Current player to watch out for is striker Nicky Maynard, yet to get going but can be lethal at this level.

What has been your best FA Cup memory as a Mansfield fan?

FA Cup memory would be back in 2013 when we were struggling in the league and had been drawn away at St Albans. Had a seat under cover and found my self sat close to the home support, had a barrage of abuse when they went 1 up but I had the last laugh and we won 1-8 with Sam Clucas getting 5 goals.

What do you know about Shrewsbury?

My first visit to Shrewsbury was in the mid 80’s and I think it was John Bonds first game in charge? Gutted not to be able to make the game today as it would have been a new ground for me and my 110th league ground.

What do you think the score will be?

I’m saying a 1-2 win for the Stags.

Big thanks to Richard, hope the Stags fans enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Here at “Going Down The Oteley Road” we will be speaking to fans of our opposition throughout the season. Ahead of our FA Cup Second Round game at home to Mansfield Town, we had a chat with a Stags fan.

What’s your name?

Richard Wolden.

Where are you from?

Mansfield.

How long have you supported Mansfield Town?

I’ve been attending Stags games for 47 years.

Who is your favourite ever Mansfield player?

My favourite player as a boy was Terry Eccles as he knew where the back of the net was.

Who is your favourite ever Mansfield manager?

Favourite manager has to be Ian Greaves who guided us to Wembley and victory in 1987, when Wembley was a special achievement to get there.

Who should we watch out for from the current Mansfield team?

Current player to watch out for is striker Nicky Maynard, yet to get going but can be lethal at this level.

What has been your best FA Cup memory as a Mansfield fan?

FA Cup memory would be back in 2013 when we were struggling in the league and had been drawn away at St Albans. Had a seat under cover and found my self sat close to the home support, had a barrage of abuse when they went 1 up but I had the last laugh and we won 1-8 with Sam Clucas getting 5 goals.

What do you know about Shrewsbury?

My first visit to Shrewsbury was in the mid 80’s and I think it was John Bonds first game in charge? Gutted not to be able to make the game today as it would have been a new ground for me and my 110th league ground.

What do you think the score will be?

I’m saying a 1-2 win for the Stags.

Big thanks to Richard, hope the Stags fans enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews today’s FA Cup Second Round tie against Mansfield Town.

Town will host Mansfield in the FA Cup 2nd round hoping to get to the third round.

Last time the 2 clubs played each other was in 2015 when the Shrews won 1-0 with a goal from Tyrone Barnett.

Mansfield currently sit 16th in League Two, their defence is a major issue with them conceding 26 goals. Their main threat will be striker Andy Cook who was at Walsall last season.

Daniel Udoh is now back in contention for a place and Max O’Leary will most likely be back in goal.

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

O’Leary

Pierre

Ebanks Landell

Beckles

Love

Norburn

Laurent

Edwards

Golbourne

Cummings

Whalley

Mansfield Town:

Logan

Pearce

Preston

Sweeney

Gordon

Shaughnessy

Smith

Mellis

Hamilton

Cook

Maynard

Score Prediction: Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Mansfield Town

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/