Clydebank V Hurlford United

With today being Non League Day, I made the trip to Yoker, just outside of Glasgow for the McBookie.com West Region Junior Premiership game between Clydebank and Hurlford United at Holm Park.

Paid just £6 to get into the game and was greeted through the gate by a programme seller who was glad to hear that I was a Shrewsbury Town fan and that someone involved in the running of the club makes trips to Shropshire to take in Salop games.

Holm Park is a proper old school football ground, all standing and no roof on any of the stands. A few young fans were creating an atmosphere with a drum and flags.

Ex Shrewsbury striker Colin McMenamin started up front for the away side wearing the number 9 shirt, memories of him in blue and amber came flooding back.

Feisty first half of football, full of tasty challenges and not one dive! The plastic pitch making the ball zip about and a lot of long balls being played. A half of few chances but it was the home side who took theirs and took the lead after some poor Hurlford defending which led to the tap in from Lynass not long before half time.

15 minutes into the second half and a mistake from the Hurlford keeper and Lynass steals the ball at the back and knocks it into an open net to double Clydebank’s lead.

Caddis is shown a red card for the visitors for what I can guess was for something being said to the referee after not being given a penalty.

Penalty to the Bankies with 5 minutes to go, poor challenge from the defender on the last man. Lynass completed his hat-trick with a composed penalty to the keepers left.

Hurlford keeper Murchie sent off in added time for handling the ball outside of the box, takes the away side down to 9.

Not the best outing for Ex Salopian McMenamin as he hardly got a sniff of the ball. Clydebank were deserved winners and were the better team, taking chances that fell to them and when a player to the good making that count.

Thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon and don’t think I will leave it till next years Non League Day to take in a lower league game again. Great to see the passion that the fans at the game today showed and a true sense of community on show.

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 Fan Of The Week Danny Davies’ All Time XI.

Dean Henderson

Dave Hockaday

Ian Sharps

Dave Walton

Tommy Lynch

Shaun Whalley

Mark Taylor

Dave Edwards

Mickey Brown

Wayne Clarke

LukeRodgers

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 young inspirational reporter and massive Shrewsbury Town fan Corbin gives us his thoughts on yesterday’s win against Newcastle United U21’s.

“Tuesday night saw us compete in the EFL Trophy or Tinpot Cup as a lot of people call it. Newcastle Under 21’s were our opponents & 7 changes from Saturday’s win at Tranmere but yet again Sam Ricketts plays 3-5-2 ,Murphy was GK back 3 of Love, Ro Shaun and Walker, WB’s Whalley and Goldbourne with Goss Thompson and Edwards in midfield and Fejiri and Cummings up front. A strong line up and a chance for fitness levels from those returning from injury and for squad players and fringe players to get a proper run out.”

“The game started brightly Shrewsbury having a lot of the ball early on. Whalley with a dangerous low cross and Fejiri goalbound shot just wide from a deflection, moments later another Whalley cross and Cummings has a go but misses. A scare 15 mins in as Newcastle should have scored a low cross caused panic in the box but couldn’t find a touch to score, a minute later another cross from the right and nearly a goal as another chance goes by.”

“Then on 22 mins Whalley again crossing, Edwards leaves it to Fejiri who drives it into the goal 1-0 to The Salop. 10 mins or so later and its 2-0 Cummings scores a header from a corner. More chances come our way but then just before half time Whalley shows he is not a defender as he nearly scores a special volleyed Own Goal.”

“Second Half Newcastle gave it a proper go they hit the bar and later on the post. Shrewsbury were not having the ball so much so sloppy passing from us and good attacking moves from the Under 21’s. Laurent replaces Thompson and before he is replaced by Udoh, Cummings has a one on one with keeper but the keeper stays big. Newcastle continue to press and try to score but no luck.”

“Then with the game winding down Dave Edwards scores a banger off his chest and smashes it into the net 3-0 ,his first goal for us since coming back in January a goal he will remember for sure.”

“Game ends 3-0 a comfortable win in the end but we rode our luck and allowed Newcastle to dominate us at times but a win is a win ,another clean sheet and another game I go home happy from.”

“Difficult game to judge on, but whoever we play its still 11 v 11 perhaps on another night we would have kicked on from 2-0 and put the game out of sight, Sam Ricketts will be happy too he is still sticking with the 3-5-2 formation even though it showed at times our weakness out wide. In defence against a better team we might have conceded a few but going forward it looks really good and you can see what he is asking the team to do.”

“So now we must beat Macclesfield next month to go through to the knockout stage of the competition. No League game on Saturday, I think Dad is thinking of going to a local non league game.”

“Dave Edwards gets my Man of The Match a captains performance finished off with a banger of a goal with Whalley a close second for MOTM.”

“See you all at Lincoln a week on Friday!”

Thanks to Corbin for his thoughts on the game against Newcastle U21’s.

Corbin Davies

“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 striker Craig Herbert.

How did it feel making your debut for Shrewsbury Town?

Felt great to make my debut, sure we beat Doncaster 2-1 which was great and the fans were in good voice too.

What was the highlight of your time in Shropshire?

Like at many clubs its meeting the fans and making so many new friends. One game stuck out for me when we went to Exeter, we needed a point I think to stay up and pretty sure we beat them.

What was it like playing at Gay Meadow?

Gay Meadow was great, felt very close to the fans and the atmosphere was good.

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

Very hard to pick one, played with Darren Currie he had great ability and should of played higher.

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

Again a very hard to answer this one, Mark Sale was very difficult, he was about 6ft8.

You played under a few managers while at Town, who did you enjoy working under most?

Jake King brought me in from WBA so I enjoyed my time with him and played all my games under him.

What made you decide to be a defender?

I played on the wing when I was younger, but when I had to play as sweeper from the age of 12 I loved it. I created time on the ball and was able to pass the ball out of defense, so I had to stay there.

Who was the biggest influence on your career?

I know alot of people say there parents and for me it was my dad. He played for Coventry as a school boy but he never really got the backing, so when I came along and showed an interest he helped me. His knowledge was awesome and it was like listening to the pros, he really knew his stuff.

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

Lee Steele liked to play around, was very funny.

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

Just above mid table, it’s a tough league but if the key players stay away from injuries then they should be ok.

What football team do you support?

Manchester United, from a very young age.

Who was your favourite player as a child?

I liked Glen Hoddle and Alan Hanson, both very good on the ball.

Why do you love football?

I love the game because it’s the best sport on the planet and to be able to get paid for doing something you love is a great pleasure. Wish I could still play at that level.

Huge thanks to Craig for chatting with 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/

Our man who travels home and away following the mighty Shrewsbury Town Rhys Gratton, gives his views on Town’s 3-0 win over Newcastle United U21’s.

Shrewsbury Town V Newcastle United U21’s(8/10/2019)

“Tonight’s game was a must win in terms of advancing in the newly titled Leasing.Com Trophy if Town were to advance. As expected Sam Ricketts brought in a lot of changes for tonight’s game against Newcastle under 21s, with only three players keeping their starting place after saturday’s win over Tranmere.”

“There was an expectancy of a win for the hosts going into this one, and Shrewsbury did start the strongest, forcing a couple of decent stops out of visiting Keeper Dan Langley early on. Salop did take the lead just after the twenty minute mark however, after last season’s top scorer Fejiri Okenabirhie turned on the edge of the box and finished smartly into the bottom corner to get his campaign underway. Not long after it was two and looking safe, Shaun Whalley expertly delivered a teasing corner onto the head of Jason Cummings just inside the six yard box, who flicked it past Langley for his third in blue and amber. On the 38th minute Newcastle made a double change to try and match Shrewsbury up formation-wise, although at 2-0 down it did seem like too little too late.”

“To their credit, the Magpies did look a lot better in the second half, continually creating chances and winning the ball in good areas. On the flip side of that Shrewsbury came out looking very poor, seeming to have lost focus with the relatively comfortable scoreline. With all these chances the young Newcastle side should’ve punished their more experienced hosts, and they did come very close to doing so on several occasions, hitting the woodwork three times and calling Joe Murphy into action a few times. But they never did capitalise on their chances, and were punished once again when Dave Edwards lashed in his first Salop goal since March 2007 three minutes from time to give Town the points.”

“Overall an unconvincing performance which against better sides would’ve been punished, however my man of the match is Brad Walker, for looking at home in an unfamiliar position and commanding the back line.”

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 Newcastle United U21’s.

“No good lying i hate this tournament with a passion, in 2019 its a pointless competition made even worse with the inclusion of Premiership u21 sides, dont see how it benefits anyone at all. The EFL trophy should have been scrapped ages ago, lower league teams play 46 games as it is theres no need for it, the magic of a prize that is Wembley is long gone, the only benefit is that it gives fringe players a run out and with how strong Salops squad is this season we need it to be fair.”

“A comftable win in the end against a very decent Geordie nipper outfit, Salops best period of the game was mainly in the first half, great to see Whalley being so lively he was everywhere absolute cracker of a ball to Fejiri who chested it and tucked it away brilliantly. Theres no doubting Fey in my opinion is the best finisher at the club, lethal given the chance but needs to improve on other aspects of his game if hes going to get 1st team football on a regular basis, still rusty on some of the runs he makes and the way he interacts with his forward partner. A bloody cracking finisher of the ball though.”

“Great header from Cummings for the second, another lad who oozes quality but can see the lack of pre season has affected him bit rusty at times but will come good I’m sure and will be a Salop legend in the making, I hope mind you I’ve seen so many strikers flatter to decieve over the years.”

“Midfield first half were dominant Goss and Whalley working together well, young Louie Thompson struggled a bit mind.”

“Second half was a bit of a non event compared to the first, Geordie nippers unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions, Walker the pick of the back men looks a giant, a definite preferred position for him and wouldn’t worry me if he was needed there in a proper game, a better defender than midfielder from what ive seen.”

“Clock was ticking and was looking like a 2 nil win for Salop until the moment of the night came when Super Davey Edwards rifiled in the 3rd to cap a man of the match display, last time he scored we were still at the owd meddah, it’s over 12 and a half years. A record gap between goals for a Town player? It wasn’t just his goal though it was his hunger and work-rate, defending when needed, running everywhere and not afraid to get stuck in either. An emotional night for one of my all time Town heroes he will be very close to regaining his first team place with performances like that.”

“All in all a suprisingly good game and a decent turn out of 1400 which is more than most clubs, good too see not so many are boycotting at Salop, despite your views on the competition and i agree with most people you still got to support the lads.”

“To Lincoln a week Friday a game where i think Salop will get a positive result, the likes of Fejiri, Whalley and Edwards not doing there chances of being included no harm.”

“Up the Salop”

“Love n jollops Biz x”

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 EFL Trophy game against Newcastle U21’s we asked fans what they think the score will be.

Ross Jones – “2-1 Salop”

Will Smith – “0-0”

Gary Ray – “2-1 Town”

Luke Woolley – “2-0 Town”

Adam Rodgers – “3-1 win”

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

@GDTORsalop

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews tonight’s home EFL Trophy game against Newcastle United Under 21’s.

Following on from Saturday’s impressive win at Tranmere, Town will host Newcastle U21’s in the EFL Trophy.

Town could be out of the cup if they fail to beat Newcastle and other results go against them. On the other hand, Town will be high in confidence after an imprsssive performance on Saturday which could of been 4 or 5 in the end.

As it’s only a small fixture and I have no knowledge of Newcastle U21’s I have only gone for Town’s predicted XI.

Murphy

Williams

Walker

Love

Barnett

Thompson

Edwards

Rowland

McCormick

Cummings

Whalley

Score Prediction: 2-0 Town

Sam Northwood

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

This weeks Fan Of The Week is long time supporter and the man behind the new signpost at Montgomery Waters Meadow, Danny Davies.

Where are you from?

Shrewsbury.

How long have you supported Shrewsbury?

Over 30 years, I started going every week as a fan in 1991.

What was the first game you went to?

Everton in the League Cup in 1985, as a true Town fan I caught the bug against Reading in 1991.

Who is your favourite Town player of all time?

Wayne Clarke.

Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?

Fred Davies because that was the first time I saw success as a Town fan.

Which do you prefer Gay Meadow or Montgomery Waters Meadow?

Used to be Gay Meadow, but Montgomery Waters Meadow is now finally equal on terms I guess.

What has been your favourite away game?

Wrexham it’s a fierce game.

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

I think the Conference Play Off Final win was a big moment.

What is your favourite Salop kit?

I liked the 1995-96 kit.

Where do you think we will finish this season?

6th, a glutton for Play Off punishment.

Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?

It’s a sense of pride, belonging and something that gradually happened, but I was hooked into it quickly once it took hold.

Massive thanks to Danny 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 game against Tranmere Rovers.

“Really enjoyable day yesterday some tidy owd jollopin in Chester and a crackin local boozer near rock ferry station made very welcome. I’m not sure of the actual number but looked a good 900 plus Salopian ballbags there everyone done us proud. Was panicking a bit about getting in but the stewards were very good, a total contrast to the jobsworths at Rotherham and one or two at the Meddah.”

“It was a game where Salop were on the front foot from the off, no offence though Tranmere are a very limited team in terms of quality, poor Mickey seeming to struggle again at this level. But mind you they were very workmanlike and made it hard for us.”

“O’Leary was top notch between the posts, Love and Giles back to the form that they showed early season both getting forward and were constant menaces. After having an absolute mare last week Beckles was the pick of the back three, swept up everything and superb in the air the lad can do it when he wants, a classic confidence player needs things to be going the right way to excel.”

“Norburns best game since his comeback he ruled the middle of the park, can see his fitness improving every game, the contract extension easily one of the best pieces of work we did this summer. Both strikers worked their socks off, Lang a close second behind Norbs for man of the match, a very clever lad who plays way beyond a 20 year old lad normally does will be a sucess at Wigan next season. Despite our dominance we must have had over 20 attempts at goal my only criticism is that we should of been looking at 3 or 4 easily yesterday, would have put Cummings on last half hour im sure he would have scored. I would have put Whalley on to ruffle things up too but we was in control so no need to risk i suppose.”

“Tranmere were very poor so will be intresting to see how we get on in the next four games against superior opposition, think come November 2nd after Wycombe we can have a good idea where Salop will end up in May.”

“Actually think we might get a result at Lincoln its the two home games after that worry me a bit, we just dont seem to play with the same freedom at home, very nervous and cautious still think a change to the stringent 3-5-2 wouldn’t do us no harm.”

“Great three points yesterday and despite the lack of quality at times Salop put a shift in and you can’t argue that they put 100 % effort in. To Newcastle on Tuesday a game more pointless than the 12 inch love rocket warmer my owd sprout brought me.”

“Up the Salop”

“Love n jollops biz xx”

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

Bizzy

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/