Our man who travels home and away following the mighty Shrewsbury Town Rhys Gratton, gives his views on Town’s 1-0 win against Peterborough.

Shrewsbury Town V Peterborough United (05/11/2019)

“Tonight’s game saw the football league’s top scorers pay Shrewsbury a visit. A front three, which includes former Salop loanee Ivan Toney, came into the match having scored nearly triple the goals that the entire Town team have all season. The footballing gods seemed to be cursing Salop because as the team news came out, it was revealed that first choice Keeper Max O’Leary was out injured, and veteran reserve Joe Murphy would have to step in for his league debut.”

“As the game got underway it was surprising to see Shrewsbury starting the better, but not really creating much to go with it, following a similar pattern to most of the season. As Peterborough grew into the game they started to dominate possession and territory, but also were unable to create anything significant, with a poor free kick from Maddison going just wide. Against the flow of the game it was Town who got the first clear cut chance just before the half hour mark, with Dave Edwards charging down Posh captain Mark Beevers’ clearance to go 1-on-1 with the keeper, only to slice his shot wide. After that the game became more end to end, but with a few harsh fouls on both sides, Ethan Ebanks Landell was booked for a fairly routine challenge on Toney, who made the most of it staying down for a couple of minutes. Seconds after that, roles were reversed, and Toney tripped Ebanks Landell and received a booking himself. On the stroke of half time the deadlock was broken, as a Shaun Whalley free kick pinballed inside the box and was eventually forced home by Ebanks Landell.”

“The second half got underway with increased Posh pressure as they went in search of an equaliser to keep in touch with the automatic promotion places. And a few minutes into the second half the referee gifted them a lifeline. As a cross came in from the left Toney went down very dramatically under mininum contact and was rewarded with an incredibly soft penalty. However justice was done as Murphy guessed the right way and saved Maddison’s tame penalty. After that the game fizzled out a bit, with Boro looking threatening but unable to break through a very stubborn Salop back line, and the hosts content to sit back and let Peterborough try and create an opening. As the game wound to a close a Shrewsbury second looked just as likely as a Boro equaliser, with the introductions of Fejiri Okenabirhie and Louis Thompson adding some more energy to the Town counter attack. As it was Posh couldn’t break the Town down and it’s another excellent result for Ricketts and co as they start to look up at the playoff places, which are now in striking distance.”

“Overall it was another superb home team performance with everyone putting in a shift and giving 110% for each other and for the badge. Any number of players could be man of the match but mine is Ethan Ebanks Landell, not only did he score but Ivan Toney is so deep in his pocket he’ll have difficulty getting him back out.”

“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 League 1 game against Peterborough, we had a chat with a Posh fan.

What’s your name?

Paul Bycroft

Where are you from?

Originally Holbeach in Lincolnshire.

How long have you supported Peterborough?

Since the early 80’s, I cycled 26 miles to my first few games.

Who is your favourite ever Peterborough player?

Madison from the current squad. He’s committed and hard working but deserves a shot at a bigger club.

Who is your favourite ever Peterborough manager?

Chris Turner gave us our greatest period. But I love Cantwell and Fergie.

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

Dembele, if he’s given a run in the team he will be unstoppable. I don’t think anyone in that division will be able to stop him without hacking him down.

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

Play-offs.

What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

Always a hard working team but they’ve never won at Wembley.

What do you think the score will be?

Score prediction is 2-2 but if our front 3 are on form who knows.

Big thanks to Paul, hope you enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews tonight’s home League 1 game against Peterborough.

After Saturdays defeat at Wycombe, Town will host another high flying side in Peterborough.

Last time the 2 clubs was last season when town won 2-1 goals from Ollie Norburn and Tyrese Campbell was enough before Norburn got sent off.

Peterborough who have scored 33 goals between their front 3 this season are a force to be reckoned with. Former man Ivan Toney has 12 goals alongside strike partner Mo Eisa. Some hope for town is that Peterborough do leak goals.

After another game that town have failed to score in they will hope to make up for it here with another surprising win. They will have to do so without centre half Ro Shaun Williams who got sent off on Saturday.

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

O’Leary

Ebanks Landell

Pierre

Beckles

Love

Norburn

Goss

Golbourne

Edwards

Cummings

Whalley

Peterborough United:

Pym

Mason

Kent

Beevers

Butler

Reed

Knight

Boyd

Maddison

Toney

Eisa

Score Prediction: Shrewsbury Town 0-2 Peterborough United

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

This weeks fan of the week is Sam Northwood

Where are you from?

Born in Shrewsbury, live in Wem.

How long have you supported Shrewsbury?

I’ve now been supporting Shrewsbury about 13 years.

What was the first game you went to?

First game I can remember was a 0-0 home draw against Mansfield in 2007.

Who is your favourite Town player of all time?

Toto Nsiala, quality player and a quality guy. Keep in touch with him regularly now.

Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?

Paul Hurst, the man did miracles and I’ll take him back in a heartbeat.

Which do you prefer Gay Meadow or Montgomery Waters Meadow?

Being 19 I vaguely remember the Gay Meadow, so I’ll have to say the Montgomery Waters Meadow, but if I was around in the Gay Meadow era I’d certainly say that.

What has been your favourite away game?

Favourite away game was Stoke away last season, the craziness of what happened was amazing and at half time no one would of though it.

What has been your favourite moment as a Shrewsbury Town fan?

Carlton Morris’ goal against Charlton to guarantee us a place at Wembley was amazing and would never be forgotten. But I’ll have to go for Andy Mangan’s equaliser against Chelsea, I believed that if we had held on 2 minutes later we would of won that game.

What is your favourite Salop kit?

Favourite home kit is the 2011/12 season and favourite away kit is the red and black stripes.

Where do you think we will finish this season?

9th with a bit of luck along the way.

Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?

Great local club with a great family fanbase which gives you moments you’ll never forget. The cold wintery away games in January are all worth it when we get a great moment.

Massive thanks to Sam 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 Salopian super fan, Bizzy for his thoughts on our League 1 game against Wycombe.

“Filthy owd day weather wise .. good journey down on the Smithy bus, the suffering on poor owd Chris Howards face after 3 days solid jollops in Llandudno was a sight to behold, couple of owd Michael Aspel ciders brought the owd colour back to his cheeks, also good to see my owd mucker Katie back following Salop away top lass and good company as always.”

“Yet another game where its a tale of two halfs can’t fault Salop first 45 at all came out the traps well and took it to a promotion chasing side, Wycombe were a very workmanlike outfit who seemed reliant on veteran striker Akinfenwa causing us as much hassle as he could but Aaron Pierre had him in his pocket, signing of the season Donald Love continuing his great form looking to get forward at every opportunity. Edwards was the pick of the middle men, Laurent did some real good stuff but it was too sporadic, Norbs was a bit wasteful with the ball at times, but come half time we should have been a goal or two up.”

“Thats where the game stopped really, come the second half all the positiveness evaporated, Wycombe were on the front foot from minute one and when Salop had the ball we gave it away cheaply. Poor Shaun Whalley looked a lost soul yesterday and i wasn’t quite sure on where he was meant to be playing some poor decision making with his balls too, he is definitely a better impact player from the bench. The golden chance was the Norbs free header god knows what he was trying to do but to not even test the keeper was criminal and summed up a frustrating and indifferent performance from him.”

“No complaints at all for the result, Wycombe’s second half superiority means they just about deserved it, not too disheartened though to go to a top of the table side and go at them like that for 45 minutes is a major positive, got to turn these spells of being on top into a 90 minute performance, too many were not at the races in the second half but cant be over critical considering.”

“The lack of firepower is a concern and its the reason we will finish about where we are now. Choice of three for man of the match Pierre,Love and Edwards. Aaron just gets the nod for me for the way he handled the giant Akinfenwa.”

“Could be in for an owd cracker Tuesday Posh are scoring and leaking goals for fun. Ro-Shaun will be a big miss though bit of owd silliness from the owd ballbag but hes a young lad and will learn. A potential high scoring game Tuesday if we can convert our chances. Yesterday was Sir Samuels 50th game in charge in true honesty its been a largely indifferent spell, not helped by some of what he inherited from the dithering sausage strangler himself John Askey, a manager who has not yet fulfilled his potential and bloody frustrates the hell out of me but still the right man, not sure what game he was watching 2nd half though.”

“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/

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 against Wycombe, we had a chat with some Wanderers fans.

What’s your name?

The Coffman Family, Sean, Annie, Ken and Aaron.

Where are you from?

Colorado, USA.

How long have you supported Wycombe?

10+ years.

What made you become Wycombe supporters?

None of us have ever lived in England. Ken has followed EFL for many years and just became inspired by Wycombe’s grit. He sucked us in. We have followed them in League 2 and 1.

We got a USL Championship franchise in 2015 and our small club, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, is a similar club (run on a small budget, lots of heart). Made the playoffs a couple of times. Awful year this past season. Glad we don’t have pro/rel yet. Hoping our new coach, Alan Koch, will turn things around next season.

Those are our two favourite teams. We don’t miss a streamed Wycombe match or a home game in Colorado Springs or streamed away match for Switchbacks.

Who is your favourite ever Wycombe player?

So hard to choose! We would have to select Matt Bloomfield. He has been with Wycombe for 16 yrs and is the only returning player, year over year, since we have been following Wycombe. He gives 110% every match.

Who is your favourite ever Wycombe manager?

Gareth Ainsworth. He has done so much for the club in lean times, a players’ coach, and appreciative of the fans.

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

Watch out for Scott Kashket. He scored the only Wycombe goal in the last two matches, which were a draw and a win.

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

One of the top three spots.

What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

Even though they are 12th, Shewsbury Town has had a good run of form with no loss in the last five. They beat Sunderland and tied Gillingham, who gave Wycombe our only loss this season of 2-0.

What do you think the score will be?

Based on the fact we are undefeated at home this season, Wycombe will win 1-0.

Big thanks to Sean, Annie, Ken and Aaron, hope you enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews tomorrow’s League 1 game against Wycombe.

After a surprising 1-0 win against Sunderland, Town will make the trip to high flying Wycombe hoping that Town can cause another upset.

Last time the 2 clubs met was last season when Town came out 2-1 winners, 2 late goals from Beckles and Norburn saved town after a poor performance.

Town will be hoping to follow on from their last game against Sunderland where the game plan worked fantastic and limited an attacking Sunderland side. Wycombe will also attack the game similar to Sunderland so we can hope for a repeat of last week. Jason Cummings is in fine form and will hope for another goal this weekend. Ryan Giles, Daniel Udoh and Ethan Ebanks Landell will still be unable to feature.

Wycombe sit 2nd in League One joint top with Ipswich. The only defeat for them so far was a 2-0 defeat at Gillingham. Wycombe have a very strong striker force which include Rolando Aarons on loan from Newcastle, Fred Onyedinma who is in splendid form and cult hero Bayo Akinfenwa.

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town

O’Leary

Beckles

Pierre

Williams

Love

Edwards

Laurent

Norburn

Goss

Golbourne

Cummings

Wycombe Wanderers

Allsop

Grimmer

Stewart

Charles

Jacobson

Aarons

Gape

Thompson

Bloomfield

Wheeler

Kashket

Score Prediction: Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Shrewsbury Town

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Long time Town fan and a man who knows a lot about his Salop history, Adam Rodgers takes a look back at the history between Salop and tomorrow’s opponents Wycombe.

Wycombe Wanderers 0-7 Shrewsbury Town 07/10/08

Our record against Wycombe is a strange one. For anyone roughly my age (mid 30’s) it seems as though we have played them about once a month since we first started following Town and therefore that has probably been the case since the beginning of time. I assumed therefore that we would have at least 20 wins against Wanderers to our name. I was then reminded that Wycombe did not join the Football League until 1993 (roughly the same time I started watching Shrewsbury) under the management of Martin O’Neill. The real surprise though that since that first meeting in 1993 we have only ever beaten the Chairboys four times, only two of those being in league fixtures. The most recent of which being in our last meeting earlier this year.

To find the most memorable of our wins over Wycombe we have to delve into the murky waters of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. It may be a competition that nobody cares about until the final but back in 2008, a Grant Holt inspired Salop went to Adams Park and won 7-0. So I reckon that’s something worth celebrating and remembering. Plus it gives us an excuse to look back at Grant Holt’s time in a blue and amber shirt which is always a good thing.

Holt scored an incredible 5 times in that Wycombe demolition with Kevin McIntyre and friend of GDTOR Shane Cansdell-Sherriff providing the other goals. It may have only been in a secondary competition but Holt showed that night that he was a class above anything else at League Two level, or League One for that matter. He made a huge impact during his single season at the Greenhous Meadow, scoring 20 goals and getting himself into the League Two team of the year in the process. Town took a gamble on the Carlisle born striker smashing their transfer record and spending £170,000 to secure his services but it was gamble that really paid off. It was a shame we couldn’t hang onto him for another season but it had become obvious he was too good for our level and Norwich offered in the region of £400,000. Unsurprisingly he went on to be a huge success for Norwich terrorising defences at Premier League level. In terms of goal scoring ability, strength, power and overall work rate there have been very few better players to have ever played for Salop.

Adam Rodgers

“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 ex defender Shane Cansdell-Sherriff.

How did it feel making your debut for Shrewsbury Town?

I was excited to play for Shrewsbury so when the time came to make my debut I was looking forward to it. Scoring in both my first and last games for the club was a nice way to start and finish.

What was the highlight of your time in Shropshire?

My highlight was promotion in my final season I was there. It was such a good season and with the group of lads, that made it even better.

You played under two managers at Shrewsbury, who was your favourite of the two?

Playing under Graham was a great experience. His experience and personal touch with the players was second to none.

You scored a few goals for Town, do any stick out?

My debut goal against Macclesfield Town was my highlight by far. My kids still show me it from time to time.

You tasted promotion with Salop, how was that feeling?

I left Tranmere because Shrewsbury had ambitions for promotion and once we finally achieved it the feelings was incredible. It was my first too and the whole experience was massive for me and my family.

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

Its hard to have just one favourite during my time. Many had different qualities that I appreciated.

How have you transitioned from player to coach?

The transition from playing to coaching has been quite easy. I left the UK when I felt it was time to move onto the next part of my journey. Not because I couldn’t play or nobody wanted me but more because I was so eager to put into play my beliefs on football.

What made you decide to be a defender?

I became a defender by chance as we were short of defenders one weekend. As I was coming back from injury I put my hand up to play. As they say, the rest is history.

Who was the biggest influence on your career?

Growing up my brother was the biggest influence on me. He coached me and pushed me hard. From there on it was me pushing myself. I wanted to be better than the others around me. Sometimes it was proving to myself I could do it.

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

Kevin McKintyre was a huge joker at Shrewsbury. He always had jokes. Although I created a beauty on David Raven one year which involved a hoover, the Gaffer, a busted up Aircon unit and an angry chairman hahaha.

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

Sadly I don’t get much time to follow the Shrews close enough right now so don’t know enough about the current squad, but I am sure the Gaffer is doing a good job.

What football team do you support?

I support Liverpool. I grew up watching John Barnes, Ian Rush and Craig Johnston.

Why do you love football?

Loving football for me was about beating teams, winning games, beating myself, proving to myself and trying to master something so unpredictable. Football is ever changing and the challenge is to try and control it to the best of your ability within a team.

Huge thanks to Shane for chatting to us about his time at Shrewsbury 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/

This weeks fan of the week is well known amongst Salop supporters, Michael “Bizzy” Pinches.

Where are you from?

Harlescott Grange,Shrewsbury.

How long have you supported Shrewsbury?

Nearly 38 years.

What was the first game you went to?

Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter finals in 1982, we lost 5-2 but were 2-1 up at one stage. I was only a little kid so remember little from the game but can still feel that atmosphere now.

Who is your favourite Town player of all time?

Nigel Pearson, along with Bernard McNally my first real Salop hero. Pearson was a no nonsense yet cultured centre half, remember him keeping the then legendary Kevin Keegan at bay in a brilliant 2-1 win v Newcastle. He later formed the best central defensive partnership I’ve seen down the Meadow with David Linighan.

Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?

Sir Graham Turner, read your Salop history and its a no brainer of a question.

Which do you prefer Gay Meadow or Montgomery Waters Meadow?

Prefer the Gay Meadow, just for its location,pubs around and general atmosphere of the place. Of course the move was essential and financially and stability wise the club thrived from it last season being our highest average league attendance in 40 years. But the Montys Meadow has never quite felt like home for me, although the Supporters Parliament involvment and introduction of safe standing has helped alot.

What has been your favourite moment as a Shrewsbury Town fan?

So many favourite moments but Jemsons winner vs Everton in the FA Cup 2003 tops it. I literally cried floods of tears when that goal went in, very emotional few months all round as we were relegated to the Conference weeks later, a bizarre season.

What has been your favourite away game?

Favourite away game was Bury in 93/94 season, we came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 . An electric feeling when Mickey Brown got the winner and at that game you had a sense the season would end in glory. Which it did of course by winning the 3rd division title.

What is your favourite Salop kit?

Maybe not the best but my favourite was the 86/87 centenary shirt, I loved the colours and had a very retro look.

Where do you think we will finish this season?

So hard to tell where we will finish. A lot of teams have bought well sides like Blackpool,Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers will be stronger than people think. Ipswich and Sunderland will be good, Donny and Posh will be up there to. I’m gonna say 12th, an improvment on last season will be seen as progress. We look a strong squad and still a couple more to be added. I’m warming to Ricketts and im sure he will put us in the right direction.

Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?

Lots of reasons why i love Salop, the sheer joy and drama of a matchday and the almost religous feeling of watching my team across the four corners of the country. The social side for a days booze and laugh with your muckers is another thing i love. Its just in my blood i never a miss a game and will follow Salop till my dying breath.

Massive thanks to Bizzy 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/