Our man who travels home and away following the mighty Shrewsbury Town Rhys Gratton, gives his views on Town’s win in the FA Cup against Bradford.

Bradford City V Shrewsbury Town (19/11/2019)

“Tonight’s game was Town’s third successive cup match, with the Doncaster fixture at the weekend being postponed due to the Spice Boyz call ups. With the memories of last season’s 4-3 still fresh in the minds of Salopians, there was an understandable apprehension amongst the 158 travelling fans, especially after the lacklustre display ten days ago.”

“Bradford marginally started the better, testing the big back three of Salop, but found no way through, with the trio of Williams, Beckles and Ebanks Landell standing steadfast to anything that came into their vicinity. Shrewsbury grew into the game, but only saw Walker put a couple of efforts into row z, Love put a weak header straight at Richard O’Donnell in net for the Bantams. Shaun Whalley looked most likely to score, but dragged his effort a few inches wide of the post. Despite the increased pressure from the league one side, it was City who had the best chance. After about half an hour Adam Henley played a ball into the so called “corridor of uncertaincy” which was met by veteran striker James Vaughan, who forced a wonderful save from the sprawling Joe Murphy, before Ro Shaun Williams heroically threw himself in front of the rebound.”

“The second half seemed to breathe new life into Town, who were moving the ball more sharply and crisply, with more positivity in possession. At this point the home fans started to become rather frusrated with referee Paul Marsden, feeling as if nothing was being given their way. If they were annoyed before, they were about to be furious. Donald Love swept a ball across the area into a clearly offside Dave Edwards, who tapped home from five yards, at the midway point in the second half. Bradford stepped up the intensity after that but never really threatened the visitors goal, with Murphy and the ever resilient back line standing firm and comfortably dealing with anything that went near the goal.”

“It’s progression for Shrewsbury as we seek another cup run to rival and hopefully better last seasons. Not a fantastic performance but a great defence sees us through and for that reason my man of the match is Ro-Shaun Williams.”

“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 First Round Replay away to Bradford City, we had a chat with a Bantams fan.

What’s your name?

James Metcalfe

Where are you from?

Bradford.

How long have you supported Bradford?

Supported Bradford City since I was 5 and I’m 32 now.

Who is your favourite ever Bradford player?

Favourite ever Bradford player is Stuart McCall. Gave his all every game and played a massive part in the success of the club over the years.

Who is your favourite ever Bradford manager?

Favourite Bradford City manager is Phil Parkinson. He got the team playing well from the small budget he was given. It wasnt always pretty football to watch but he instilled belief in the team for the cup runs and wins against the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.

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

Watch out for Zeli Ishmael. He has pace, fantastic at dribbling with the ball and has a knack of wrong-footing defence to either cross the ball in or fire off a shot.

What has been your best moment as a Bradford fan in the FA Cup?

2014-15 season when Bradford won at Stamford Bridge in 4th round. Were losing to a good strength Chelsea side to pull it back winning 4-2.

What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

Don’t know much about Shrewsbury only that they are in League One.

What do you think the score will be?

Hopefully score will be 2 -1 Bradford.

Big thanks to James hope you enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews today’s home FA Cup First Round Replay away against Bradford City.

Town will travel to Bradford on Tuesday night hoping to progress to the 2nd round of the FA Cup with Mansfield waiting for the winner.

The first leg was a tight affair with a draw the correct result overall with either team pushing for a winner. After a Aaron Pierre rare mistake, Josh Laurent cancelled the visitors goal out.

After watching the first leg it shows that Bradford are still very capable of playing in League One. Their star man for me was their winger Aramide Oteh who caused us problems all afternoon with his direct running.

With the Grenadian trio now back for the trip Town will most likely field their strongest XI. More encouragement was given last week with striker Lenell John Lewis back fit and playing a part against Macclesfield so he could be involved again. Max O’Leary is now also fit but this game may still be a little early for the keeper who will be back in the lineup on Saturday.

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

Murphy

Pierre

Ebanks Landell

Beckles

Love

Norburn

Laurent

Edwards

Golbourne

Cummings

Whalley

Bradford City:

O’Donnell

Henley

Richards Everton

O’Connor

Wood

Connolly

Reeves

Akpan

Ismail

Oteh

Vaughan

Score Prediction: Shrewsbury Town to win on Penalties

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

This weeks fan of the week is Tim Williams.

Where are you from?

Born and bred in Shrewsbury

How long have you supported Shrewsbury?

After going to a few games, I must have been about 8.

What was the first game you went to?

I can’t remember my first game. My memory says it was against Preston North End, but that may have been another match early in my life supporting Shrewsbury. I lost my way for a few years, but then my cousin was given some tickets through her school and invited me as her plus one. As that season ended, I bought a season ticket and I’ve attended pretty much every home game since.

Who is your favourite Town player of all time?

Probably Marc Tierney, we’ve had some decent left-backs in recent years but he stood out for me as hard tackler, who also knew how and when to go forward.

Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?

Most managers that served the club have done their part in achieving what they set out to do. Mickey Mellon and Graham Turner both got the club promoted but then struggled in League One. Paul Hurst allowed Salop fans to dream two seasons ago, but my favourite was probably Jimmy Quinn as he managed to get us out of the Conference at the first time of asking, before stepping aside having taken the club as far as he could – for that he has my respect.

Which do you prefer Gay Meadow or Montgomery Waters Meadow?

I’m nostalgic for the Gat Meadow, but the New Meadow is a great facility which the club are beginning to exploit with the fanzone and Smithy’s bar.

What has been your favourite away game?

The Playoff semi final against MK Dons has gone down in Shrewsbury Town folklore, as the Dons were on the up and Andy Cooke’s brace won us the tie. Coupled with Salop fans singing Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis and hijacking Hey Jude, I’m proud to say I was there. Also a special mention for when we played Northwich Victoria on Boxing Day in the Conference and the Shrewsbury fans took over and packed the home ends.

What is your favourite Salop kit?

I liked the 125 year commemorative shirt.

Where do you think we will finish this season?

I’ll be happy with mid-table obscurity safe from relegation, but we could easily snatch a Playoff place. Time will tell.

Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?

I’m passionate about my home town and as we’ve only got one team.

Massive thanks to Tim for answering our questions and for being this weeks fan of the week. If you fancy becoming a fan of the week just drop us a message on either our Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/GoingDownTheOteleyRoad/ or on Twitter @GDTORsalop

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We asked the brilliant Salop fans if they could pick a Shrewsbury Town All Time XI, from the time they have been Town fans. Here’s Salop fan Mark Scott’s All Time XI.

DEAN HENDERSON

JACK GRIMMER

TOMMY LYNCH

MARK BLAKE

CONNOR GOLDSON

NEIL LYNE

BEN GODFREY

TONY KELLY

MICKEY BROWN

CARL GRIFFITHS

JOHN MCGINLAY

Think you could pick a better eleven? If you fancy becoming a fan of the week just drop us a message on either our Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/GoingDownTheOteleyRoad/ or on Twitter @GDTORsalop

Daz Carding

“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 3-1 win against Macclesfield.

Shrewsbury Town V Macclesfield Town (13/11/2019)

“Tonight’s game was crunch time for both Shrewsbury and Macclesfield, with the sides level on points going into the final group match. With Port Vale having beaten Newcastle under 21s on tuesday, they were guaranteed to finish top of the group, qualifying with a 100% record, and left the the young magpies winless and pointless after their three games.”

“A strong town side, minus the three internationals and injured Max O’Leary, started slowly, with the Silkmen squandering a couple of early oppurtunites from crosses aimed in towards their big number nine Ironside. They were then made to pay by Salop, as the ball was crossed into Louis Thompson, who expertly finished on the volley with the outside of his foot into the top corner, flicking the crossbar on it’s way in. Town largely controlled the game after that, and as half time approached it seemed a formality that they’d see the game out rather comfortably, against an admittedly inferior opponent.”

“The second half began much as the first ended, with Shrewsbury asserting territorial and possession based dominance whilst not creating any clear chances, but looking very professional and solid in their play. That changed on the hour. Macclesfield put a rare attack together which resulted in the ball falling to Theo Archibald, who stroked the ball into the far corner after Shrewsbury failed to clear their lines. The game then started to get the feeling as if it may have been destined for a penalty shootout. For about ten minutes. As Shaun Whalley broke away down the right, he created a three against three oppurnity, before he lost control of the ball as it got stuck under his feet, but he was able to play it into Josh Laurent on the wing, who smashed the ball across the area into captain Dave Edwards, who placed a controlled finish back across goal, as a helpless Reece Charles Cook could only watch on. In the aftermath of that goal Donald Love, who had barely been on the pitch having replaced Thompson, was sent off after a standoff with one of the visiting players, and Salop would have to see this one out with ten men. Brad Walker settled all nerves however with under ten to play, as he hit a wonderful dipping free kick to put himself right in goal of the season contention. The hosts then did see the game out with relative ease, and on a side note, great to see Lenell John Lewis back on the pitch after such a serious injury had sidelined him for so long.”

“Overall a very professional performance that sees our best chance of silverware still very much on the cards as we advance into the knockout rounds. My man of the match is Brad Walker, for his drive and determination in the midfield, and that stunning free kick.”

“UP THE SHREWS!”

Rhys Gratton

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We asked the Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our game against Macclesfield Town.

“A painfully quiet night atmosphere wise at the owd Meddah last night, a sad reflection on what most fans think of this competition. 1065 with 41 Macc fans the offical attendance slightly inflated me thinks but hey ho, but either scrap or change the format of this tournament because its dying on its arse. I would personally scrap it as its had its day, the lure of Wembley is nowhere near as magical now but thats another argument.”

“Very bright start from Salop most fans expecting a cricket score due to Maccs current financial plight. Madly Davy Edwards and Fejiri started upfront and for the opening exchanges started well, Edwards went a bit deeper as the game went on and unusually he faded a bit from the action until his well taken goal, he looked to struggle fitness wise in the second half as his poor owd back legs were going a bit like a veteran greyhound slumbering at the traps on a damp night. Despite that his experience is bloody invaluable, could see him last night telling others where to play and passes to make etc, going to Ricketts and sharing tactics its almost as if we have a manager on the pitch. We are very lucky we have him to share his top flight knowledge here and surely will be Salop gaffer one day in the future.”

“Salop put a strong side out and the player who stuck out yet again in these trophy games was Brad Walker, very commanding and wasnt afraid to get forward. A very tidy ball player too and was rewarded with a cracking goal from the free kick. How bloody light are these balls though wobbling through the air like Betty Turpins thighs when shes showing you her delicous hot pot, man of the match for me though as he was outstanding.”

“3-1 in the end but Salop didnt have it there own way massive credit to Macclesfield they came here to play and caused us problems at times especially when owd Arthur came on in the 2nd half. Honourable mentions to Shaun Whalley and Louie Thompson both lively, especially Shaun when he cuts in from wide and put a couple of cracking balls in.”

“As said previously we are still missing that creative middle man but hopefully some magic can be worked in January. To the second round draw and potential trips to Old Trafford and the Etihad, would be bizarre yet curiously intresting but if the atmosphere is anything to go by last night this tournament needs scrapping. Big well done to Brad Walker again.”

“Up The Salop, Biz”

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

Bizzy

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews today’s home Leasing.com Trophy group game against Macclesfield Town.

Town will host Macclesfield Town hoping to progress to round two of the EFL Trophy.

Macclesfield who are struggling in League 2 look like a club in crisis with their players being on strike, which meant their youth team played in the FA Cup defeat against Kingstonian.

A Town win would guarantee us a place in the next round.

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

Murphy

Walker

Ebanks Landell

Williams

Sears

Thompson

Goss

Golbourne

McCormick

Okenabirhie

Whalley

Macclesfield Town:

Unsure whether it’ll be first team or youth team (Saturday’s line up was as below)

Evans

Fregapane

Seymour

Mealing

Osipitan

Holland

Kirby

O’Keeffe

Clarke

James

Gomis

Score Prediction: Shrewsbury Town 4-0 Macclesfield Town

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Here at “Going Down The Oteley Road” we will be speakingj to fans of our opposition throughout the season. Ahead of our Leasing.Com Trophy game against Macclesfield Town, we had a chat with a Silkman fan.

What’s your name?

Tom Coleman.

Where are you from?

Macclesfield.

How long have you supported Macclesfield?

Since I was about 3 or 4, my Dad started to take me down to the Moss during the Sammy McIlroy era!

Who is your favourite ever Macclesfield player?

Has to be Danny Whittaker. Club legend, amazing servant for the club through his playing career and now as a coach! I also loved the goal machine that was Jon Parkin, sadly he was only with the club for a few seasons.

Who is your favourite ever Macclesfield manager?

Probably not a popular answer for the Shrewsbury fans (sorry) but Jon Askey, performing the miracle of all miracles and taking us back to the Football League when we were odds on to get relegated! Also played some great football along the way.

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

Emmanuel Osadebe (Paddy)… he’s looked great this year, strong and good with the ball at his feet! Also Theo Archibald has been playing really well on the wing and has scored a few screamers!

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

If we can be bought I think we could finish around our current position 15/16, however with our current ownership issues worst case scenario is a Bury 2.0.

What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

I went to watch the Macc v Shrewsbury away on Boxing Day years back! You beat us pretty comfortably that day but you’ve got a superb ground and setup. Since Askey went there I’ve also been following your social media site. Come across as a fantastically run local club… nice one! #salop

What do you think the score will be?

With our first team being realistic I would say a 2-1 loss, but being more optimistic 1-1.

Big thanks to Tom, hope you enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We’ve been lucky enough at “Going Down The Oteley Road” to speak to some ex Shrewsbury Town players, this week we spoke to current Barnet manager and ex Salop winger, Darren Currie.

How did it feel making your debut for Shrewsbury Town in 1994, while on loan from West Ham?

Unbelievable day, I only found out about the loan deal that morning, then that night I’m sitting in the changing before the game with the players and the gaffer Fred walks in and my career starts.

Across two spells with Town you scored a few goals, do any stand out as special goals?

Without doubt my debut goal against Swansea is probably my favourite goal of my career.

What was it like playing at Gay Meadow?

I really enjoyed playing there, it was my first experience of a crowd.

Who was the best player you played with in Blue and Amber?

Difficult one to answer, for different reasons it could be different players, Paul evans was a very good player as was Mark Taylor. Dave Walton and Mark Williams were excellent defenders, Steve Anthrobus and Dean Spink were great for me being a winger.

Who was the best player you came up against for Shrewsbury?

Lee Trundle, I liked his skill, flair and magic. I like entertainers.

You played in some important games for Salop, which was the most memorable for you?

I really enjoyed the intensity of the derby matches against Wrexham.

Who was your favourite manager you played under at Shrewsbury?

Fred Davies by a mile, fantastic man and manager.

Who was the biggest joker in the changing room at Shrewsbury?

Dave Walton was always clowning around followed by Dean Spink, always had a funny story to tell.

Which players from the current Town squad do you like the look of?

I worked with Fejiri Okenabirhie at Dagenham he is a brilliant player with a big future but most importantly one of the the nicest guys around.

Where do you think Shrewsbury will finish this season in League One?

Hopefully go close to the playoffs.

What football team do you support?

Followed Liverpool as a child and love going to Anfield when I get a chance .

Who was your favourite player as a child?

Glenn Hoddle was my idol

How’s the job going at Barnet?

Really good, I’m loving being the manager. Hopefully do we well and move up the leagues.

Any Barnet players we should keep any eye on?

I’ve got a few young ones like Okenabirhie that I think the world of, the Taylor brothers and a boy called Mason-Clark all got massive futures. Also a big centre back called Sweeney, if I woke up tomorrow morning the Shrews boss I would try sign these players immediately.

Why do you love football?

The emotions you go through with football is like nothing else, I miss playing everyday but being a manager and working with my players is the next best thing, football is in my blood.

Huge thanks to Darren for chatting with us and for bringing back some great memories from years gone by.

For more content like this keep an eye on our our Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/GoingDownTheOteleyRoad/ and on Twitter @GDTORsalop

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/