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

Tranmere Rovers V Shrewsbury Town(5/10/2019)

“After last week’s dismal showing at home to Fleetwood, people would have been forgiven for thinking that it would have put some fans off making the trip up to merseyside. Not in the slightest as 948 noisy Salopians packed the away end at Prenton Park.”

“The match itself got off to a ferocious start, with a few over the top tackles going in from both sides, it was clear that the referee might have a tough job keeping a lid on things. The first chance of the game fell to Shrewsbury, with Ollie Norburn hitting an effort too close to Tranmere Goalkeeper Scott Davies, who was just able to retrieve the loose ball preventing Callum Lang from having a tap-in. But the visitors were ahead just minutes later when a free kick was brought down by Aaron Pierre, and he fired across goal into the side netting from an acute angle for his first goal for Town. The home side then wasted no time pushing for an equaliser, with Paul Mullin rounding Max O’Leary and laying it off for former Town man Stefan Payne, but the ball was brilliantly intercepted by Omar Beckles to stop Payne sliding home. The hosts continued to press, but on the stroke of half time their push took a major hit, as key attacking influence Connor Jennings was sent off for a second bookable offence. “

“As the second half got underway it was clear to see that Tranmere were still reeling from the admittedly harsh red card. But more importantly it was Shrewsbury who were well on top at this point, creating chance after chance, it seemed a second was inevitable. Ollie Norburn came closest to a second when his fierce shot struck the post from the edge of the box. Omar Beckles also came close as his volley from a tight angle was turned past the post by Davies. Despite how poor Tranmere were in the half everyone was aware of how many late goals they score, and the tension was insane as the 4th official’s board showed 5 additional minutes as the hosts got a free kick on the edge of the box, which to Salop’s relief, sailed harmlessly over the bar. Tranmere were not done there though, as with only seconds remaining, veteran midfielder Neil Danns was played in behind Shrewsbury’s defence, but he was spectacularly denied by O’Leary, and with Aaron Pierre clearing to prevent Payne getting an easy rebound, Tranmere’s time was up, and Salop had a vital three points on the road.”

“After an incredible performance from every single player it is very hard to pick a man of the match, but mine goes to skipper Ollie Norburn, for his control and dominance of the middle of the park.”

UP THE SHREWS!

Rhys Gratton

“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 away win at Tranmere Rovers.

“My first visit to Prenton Park Home of Tranmere Rovers a reunion of sorts with Shrewsbury’s former manager Micky Mellon.

Town started with Udoh up front with Lang, the same three in midfield as last week and a change at the back with Pierre starting in place of Ebanks Landell. The game started brightly for both teams with both testing each other out but no clear cut chances in the first few moments of the game. Ex Shrew Stefan Payne and Jennings both guilty of over the top challenges on Omar Beckles, Payne escaped a booking when he should have been but Jennings’ name was taken. The game started to get going after that but neither goalie had much to do but then on 20 mins an attack from Salop saw Pierre’s goal bound effort turned in by Lang, 1 nil to the Town, absolutely mental in the away end and the noise level went up a few levels and rarely dropped. Moments later Payne’s turn and twist on edge of the box brought O’leary into a smart save to deny him. On 23 minutes all the fans around the ground including us Salop faithful stood and applauded a Tranmere fan who sadly passed away, a lovely touch from everyone.”

“Udoh and Lang worked hard to create chances up front with Giles and Love providing the width and the hard working pair Laurent and Norburn pulling the strings, we seemed in control and Tranmere weren’t causing us many problems. Then on half time a turning point in the game Jennings with another silly foul saw red for a second yellow card, Tranmere would have to play second half with 10 men.”

“Second Half we were far more dominant but we failed to make the extra man count. Laurent, Giles and Udoh all shooting wide or high, Pierre’s half volley saved by the keeper and other shots from Lang and Udoh we’re stopped by last ditched blocks. Lang nearly scored again but his effort was just the wrong side of the goal. Lang made way for Fejiri our main goalscorer from last season, fit again after his injury and he nearly scored with his first shot but dragged it wide and did similar with a header. A Norburn shot hitting the post, we just couldn’t get that second goal that would have settled the game. Some of our play at times was a bit slow and we seemed like we were trying too hard to score, we were making hard work of playing against 10 men but in our defence Tranmere were sitting back putting men behind the ball and waiting for a mistake or misplaced pass to pounce on us and try to attack. In the final moments of the game O’Leary earned his wages with a superb save to keep his clean sheet. Thompson came on for Udoh with 5 minutes to go and Walker for Norburn in added time.”

“The final whistle came and the celebrations in the away end were brilliant in fact all game we sang our hearts out, my Dad said it was the best noise he had heard since last seasons FA Cup replays at Stoke and Wolves. My Man of the match, I am going to give it to two players Beckles played with authority & discipline under pressure today and Norburn was brilliant in midfield showing Tranmere what they were missing.”

“Next up we play Newcastle under 21’s in the cup. No league game for us for nearly 2 weeks as Bury would have been our game next Saturday, so we go again in the League on a Friday night away to Lincoln on 18th October and we shouldnt have anything to fear.”

Thanks to Corbin for his thoughts on the game against Tranmere.

Corbin Davies

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

We spoke to some Salop fans to see what they thought of Salop’s 1-0 win against Tranmere and we asked who the Man Of The Match was.

Phil Chettle – “Good all round performance but should have put it to bed well before the end. Great save by O’Leary at the death to keep the three points”

David Preece – “Josh Laurent”

Peter Kindness – “All in all a good performance from all of the lads. Had a number of chances we probably should have converted. Defence looked solid. Man of match for me close between Omar Beckles (his best game in a while) and Max O’Leary but Max edges it because of the save right at the end”

Daz Davies – “Laurent and Norburn bossed the midfield today both close to MOTM ,Laurent edges it for me based on his industrious driving forward. 22 shots most for a long time but made heavy weather of it at times. It can be hard supporting Shrewsbury at times but a win is a win regardless how we get it. 11 games in and 3 points from play offs, 10 points above bottom 3. We are heading in right direction”

Tom Laight – “Laurent”

Danny Davies – “For me we used the width well today, Love and Giles were outstanding so was Norburn. Lang and Udoh worked their socks off too up front.”

Sam Pusey – “To be honest it was the complete opposite to the Fleetwood game, every player had a good game. Man of the match had to go to O’Leary made some quality saves today.”

Alun Roberts – “Ricketts is slowly but surely building a good side, I don’t know who we would get to replace him. I recall the Stoke fans screaming for Mark Hughes to go and look where they are now. United fans screaming for Ferguson to be sacked, they were glad they didn’t get their way. Be careful what you wish for”

Going Down The Oteley Road Man Of The Match – JOSH LAURENT

Congratulations to Josh, next up for Salop is Newcastle United U21’s in the Leasing.com Trophy.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Ahead of today’s League One game against Tranmere we asked fans what they think the score will be.

Richard Vernon – “3-0 Town”

Martin Peleszok – “0-2”

Christopher Geisler – “2 All”

Colin Elston – “1 -1-park the buses”

Stephen Whittall – “3-1 Salop”

Craig Williams – “2-1 Town”

Pete Jones – “1-3”

Chris Owen – “0-0”

Kelly Marie – “2-2”

Chris Brayne – “1-0 Town”

Chris Thomas – “1-0 Salop”

Logan Clarke – “0-0”

Derrek Matthews – “0-2 to Town I hope!!!”

Ed Morris – “1-3 Town! Salop!”

Fabien Holland – “2-1 town Okenbirne and Cummings to score”

Kenneth Davies – “1-2 Town”

Mark Wellington – “2 – 1 Town. Hopefully not Morison playing though”

Corbin Davies – “2-1 to the Town”

Daz Davies – “2-2”

Sarah Dillow – “2-1 Town”

Rob Jones – “Tranmere 2-1”

John Kramer – “2-1”

Jason Leonard – “2-1 Salop. COYB”

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 at Tranmere Rovers, we had a chat with a Tranmere fan.

What’s your name?

Luke Hartley.

Where are you from?

Originally from Heswall, now living in Newport On Tay in Scotland.

How long have you supported Tranmere?

24 years.

Who is your favourite ever Tranmere player?

Dave Challinor, witnessed many of his long throws at Prenton Park and often struggled to imitate them.

Who is your favourite ever Tranmere manager?

John King, turned us from a struggling Division 4 side to a team only a couple of games away from Premier League football.

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

Neil Danns, well chuffed that we were able to sign a player with his experience.

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

I’m expecting us to be in a relegation battle this season, so hopefully anywhere above 20th!

What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

I remember their FA Cup win against Everton in 2003. Also aware of some former Tranmere players that have played for them, Jean Louis Akpa Akpro, Sam Aiston and Luke Waterfall to name a few.

What do you think the score will be?

2-2.

Big thanks to Luke, hope you enjoy the game.

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Sam Northwood previews tomorrow’s home League 1 game against Tranmere Rovers.

Following on from last Saturday’s dismal performance against Fleetwood, Shrews travel to Micky Mellon’s Tranmere who won promotion out of the play offs last season.

Last time the 2 clubs met was in February 2015 when Tranmere came out 2-1 winners, Shrews got promoted that season in the end.

Tranmere currently sit 1 place above the relegation zone after playing 10 games, manager Micky Mellon has got off to a better start in his second season in League One after his failed attempt in the division with Town. Former Town striker Stefan Payne is currently their top scorer with 3 goals and he will hope to bag another on Saturday.

With Town failing to impress against Fleetwood, fans will want an entertaining performance and a win, many will want them to play attacking football like they did at home to Southend. In the past week Ricketts has been thrown heavy criticism from some Town fans for his ‘negative tactics’ he will hope to shut up some fans with an inspiring Town performance. With Ebanks Landell injured the back 3 will pick itself but places are still up for grabs in the forward line and midfield. Fejiri Okenabirhie is back fit and will be in contention as well as Louis Thompson who is now getting back to full fitness.

Score Prediction – Tranmere Rovers 0 V 0 Shrewsbury Town

Predicted XI’s

Shrewsbury Town:

O’Leary

Beckles

Pierre

Williams

Love

Goss

Laurent

Norburn

Giles

Lang

Cummings

Tranmere Rovers:

Davis

Caprice

Nelson

Monthe

Ridehalgh

Danns

Potter

Banks

Morris

Payne

Mullin

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 Tranmere Rovers.

Another week of the season rolls by and this week we travel to Prenton Park to face Tranmere and a meeting with one of our former bosses Mickey Mellon. It’s good to see Tranmere back in the third tier after a few years in the doldrums of non league football. For me, just the name Tranmere Rovers conjures up images of John Aldridge, Dave Challinor’s long throws and heroic cup runs during the 90s and early 2000s.

Back to back promotions have made Mr Mellon a real hero in Birkenhead and it’s nice to see him doing well. Although things ended on a sour note for Mickey at the Meadow he deserves respect for getting us out of league two in 2015. I still think he’s one of the better managers we’ve had in recent times although he wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Trawling through the history of our fixtures with Tranmere, there’s nothing that leaps out as being article worthy so I thought I’d have a quick overall look at our record against them. Most of our meetings have taken place in the third tier, in fact other than one season spent together in league two in 2014/15 Shrewsbury v Tranmere has always been a league one/old division three fixture. Standout highlights for Town include a 4-0 win at Prenton Park in 1972, oh what we’d give for a repeat of that on Saturday! It’s fair to say that Rovers have generally enjoyed more success against us than we have against them with 21 wins to our 10. However the most recent meeting saw Town dish out a 6-0 drubbing in the Football league trophy almost exactly a year ago.

One thing is for sure, after Town’s limp showing against Fleetwood last week the only way is up! Tranmere took a heavy beating as well at the hands of Ipswich so who knows, a much needed away win could be on the cards. Some fight and leadership would be a good start…….

Adam Rodgers

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

Who would have thought it our brilliant club, Shrewsbury Town has fans in more places than just our shores. Today we chat to one of our Salop fans in Australia, John Reece.

Where do you live?

Blackmans Bay, Tasmania which is 10903.8 miles from the Montgomery Waters Meadow, but I’m a Church Stretton boy.

How long have you supported Shrewsbury?

I first started supporting the Town in 1947 just 72 years ago.

What drew you to supporting Shrewsbury Town?

I used to go to the Gay Meadow with my Dad Tom Reece.

How many other Salop fans do you know in the Australia?

I’m on my own pretty much, although now and again I meet fellow Salopians and of course family who’s I always encourage to follow the Town.

What do other people in the Australia think of your love of a club in a small town in Shropshire?

They are not surprised, Aussies know a lot about English football and its fanatical supporters.

How do you watch the games?

I watch on free to air telly, usually one game during the season. Although I have to stay up late or get up early to watch.

What was the first game you went to?

Town v Stockport in a cup match I think, with my Dad and some of his friends.

Who is your favourite Town player of all time?

I have many favourites Peter Broadbent, Arthur Rowley and Gerry Bridgewood come to mind, but the Town always had good goalkeepers.

Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?

All have done their best but for some reason not the most successful, certainly a tryer like Harry Gregg and of course Crooksie.

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

First league game at home to Lincoln city in 1950, I just thought it was terrific although I don’t think the game reached any great heights.

What is your favourite Salop kit?

Blue shirt with white sleeves and shorts, but this seasons away strip looks very smart.

Where do you think we will finish this season?

I’m hoping for a top eight finish, it isn’t going to be easy getting there. Good loyal supporters will help with that although there will be some frustrating times with the team and manager, let’s be positive and believe in the Town all the time, must not get negative.

Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?

Shropshire boy born and bred, its in the blood, can’t help myself shouting UP THE TOWN all the while. I played for Church Stretton in the Shrewsbury and District league and support Brisbane in the A league. I refereed in Australia for a few years, had a tour of the Montgomery Waters Meadow during construction. I watched Town lose at Wembley to Bristol Rovers and was there for the Town win over Charlton in 2018. Now at 83 watching the Town play again is on my wish list, but thanks to Shrewsbury Town who have given me a lot of pleasure in life.

Massive thanks to John for speaking to us and for supporting our great club. If you know anyone or are a Salop fan living or from another country 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 one of the faces of the club shop, Si Evans’ All Time XI.

DEAN HENDERSON

MARC TIERNEY

CONNOR GOLDSON

IAN SHARPS

DARREN MOSS

SAM AISTON

BEN GODFREY

MARK WRIGHT

GRANT HOLT

ANDY COOKE

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/

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 Kev Seabury. Who spent 10 years with his hometown club.

How did it feel making your debut for Shrewsbury Town in 1992?

Full league debut was a 3-0 loss away to York City. Got a late call up into the side as Dave Hockaday was not fit. I always got nervous before games but they went after kick off. Don’t remember much about the game but despite losing, making your debut for your home town club will always be special to me.

Over 10 years with Town you scored a few goals, do any stand out as special goals?

Not a lot to choose from but the one that I do get reminded of was an own goal at Blackpool. No keeper was stopping that header.

What was it like playing at Gay Meadow?

I grew up watching matches from the Wakeman End and the Riverside so the Gay Meadow will always be special. It was quite an enclosed ground so you heard comments from the crowd, good and bad!

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

Tough one to call. Over 10 years i played with a lot of talented players but i came through the youth scheme with Paul Evans. He never hid on the pitch and was capable of scoring spectacular goals. Also he was my room partner on overnight stays and made great cups of tea.

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

Played in the 95/96 FA Cup match against Liverpool. Had to mark Steve McManaman. Well I say mark him ,never really got anywhere near him. Hated playing against pace so Ricky Otto at Birmingham was a nightmare. This bloke was like Usain Bolt.

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

1999/2000 last game of the season, Exeter away. Big game as survival in the League depended on it . We won 2-1 and results went our way. Alot of pressure that day. Remember it being a red hot day and their keeper dropping a clanger and Sir Mickey Brown scoring. The fans were fantastic that day and the final whistle celebrations were memorable.

Who was your favourite manager you played under at Shrewsbury?

Going to sit on the fence for this question. Fred Davies gave me my debut. Loved Jake King, hardest working man ever. Even the fact Kevin Ratcliffe released me, i still admired him .

What made you decide to be a defender?

Initially I signed as a midfielder but was very versatile and would play any position asked. Loved playing centre half but was only 5″9 so was classed as too small so got moved to right back,in hindsight think they had nowhere else to put me.

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

As you can imagine there are alot of characters within football and our dressing room was no different. Dave (Stitch) Walton was comedy gold.

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

Got to be completely honest and say that I have not watched Town for over 4 years. Anyone who’s sat with me at games will tell you I’m a terrible spectator. I kick every ball. So i prefer to support from home with Geoff Stelling on the box.

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

Who knows? Football is so unpredictable. Ask Leicester City.

What football team do you support?

I’ve always supported Shrewsbury. But do have a soft spot for Arsenal. The wife supports Man Utd so always support their opposition.

Who was your favourite player as a child?

Was brought up watching the likes of Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish but was a big Paul Gascoigne fan in my late teens, a complete head case but pure class. As for Shrewsbury it has to be Tony Kelly.

Why do you love football?

What’s not to love about football, whether its playing or supporting and at whatever standard, it unites people in ways no other sport can. I was privileged enough to play it for a living and even though I never had a lucrative move or made money out of the game I’ll do it all again tomorrow.

Huge thanks to Kev 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/