Our man who travels home and away following the mighty Shrewsbury Town Rhys Gratton, gives his views on Town’s 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon.

AFC Wimbledon 1 V 1 Shrewsbury Town (14/9/2019)

“Todays trip to Kingsmeadow was almost certainly the last one for Town fans, as AFC Wimbledon prepare for their move back home to Plough Lane next season. Today also and more crucially, saw the return of captain Ollie Norburn and centre half Ro Shaun Williams, as they both featured from the start on their returns from injuries. Wigan loanee Callum Lang was also handed a debut up front alongside Daniel Udoh.”

“For the first few minutes Shrewsbury looked brighter, doing the early pressing and winning a couple of corners. However things very quickly turned sour for the visitors, as the Wombles grew into the game and were now well on top, with Shrewsbury’s passing turning sloppy we were continually giving the ball away cheaply. That payed off for the hosts when a poorly defended corner resulted in Ethan Ebanks Landell turning the ball into his own net.”

“Salop’s game seemed to become even poorer, with balls just being aimlessly sprayed forward by the defenders and giving the ball straight back to Wimbledon and with them missing two guilt edged oppurtunities Sam Ricketts’ charges were relieved to go into half time just the one down.

For the first 25 minutes of the second half nothing seemed to have changed, with Town still giving the ball away very easily and failing to get any real momentum going.”

“In what seemed to be an almost last throw of the dice from Ricketts to hand highly rated signing Jason Cummings a debut from the bench and it payed off almost instantly. Within minutes of him coming on Ryan Giles broke into the box and played the ball across the six yard box and there was Cummings in the right place at the right time to tap home and rescue an admittedly undeserved point for Shrewsbury who could even have won it towards the end, as Josh Laurent burst into the box only to place the ball narrowly wide.”

“In a game in which Wimbledon should’ve had a pair of penalties in the second half, both due to handball, I think our hosts are entitled to feel a little hard done by. In a poor team performance my man of the match must go to Jason Cummings for his instant impact in getting us a point.”

UP THE SHREWS!

Rhys Gratton

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/

(Thanks to Richard Stiles for the photos)

This season we will be asking a non football fan (my wife) to predict the League 1 fixtures each week but by only by providing her with each clubs nicknames.

These are her predictions for the this weekends games –

The Wombles V The Shrews – The Wombles

Stanley V The Black Cats – Stanley

The Seasiders V The Dons – The Seasiders

The Brewers V The Sky Blues – Draw

The Gills V The Chairboys – The Chairboys

The Tractor Boys V Donny – The Tractor Boys

The Imps V The Pirates – Draw

The U’s V The Super Whites – The U’s

The Posh V The Dale – The Posh

The Millers V The Trotters – The Trotters

The Shrimpers V The Fishermen – The Fishermen

We will post how she did on Sunday…

Do you live with or know anyone that doesn’t know anything about football? Fancy putting them up to the test of predicting the results? Let us know either on the Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/GoingDownTheOteleyRoad/ or on Twitter @GDTORsalop

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 League 1 game away at AFC Wimbledon, we had a chat with an Wombles fan.

What’s your name?

Gary Fletcher. (pictured with his two sons, Kian & Reese)

Where are you from?

Aldershot.

How long have you supported AFC Wimbledon?

I’ve been a Wimbledon fan since 1989.

Who is your favourite ever Wimbledon player?

Aaron Ramsdale even though he was on loan, just the best goalkeeper ever.

Who is your favourite ever Wimbledon manager?

Joe Kinnear, some good times and played good football with him in charge.

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

Marcus Forss, our new striker we’ve got on loan.

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

15th.

What do you know about Shrewsbury Town?

Not much, I’ve been twice. Remember there’s a good boozer round corner.

What do you think the score will be?

Think we could get our first win, 3-1.

Big thanks to Gary, 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 AFC Wimbledon.

After a 2 week break, Town will travel to AFC Wimbledon which will be the last away day at Kingsmeadow before The Dons move back to their original home of Plough Lane next season.

In the corresponding fixture last season, Town triumphed 2-1 winners with a brace from ex defender Luke Waterfall. It was a game that turned out to be the penultimate game for John Askey who was sacked a week later after failing to beat Salford City who were a National League side in the FA Cup.

Wimbledon have got off to an awful start with losing 7 games so far in all competitions and drawing twice. They are yet to win a game this season. Their major signings in the transfer window were striker Adam Ruscoe from Cardiff Met Uni and also Finnish striker Marcus Forss who will be their main threat. They are yet to score more than 1 goal per league game so have struggled to find the net.

With Town losing 2-1 against Port Vale in the EFL Trophy after losing 3-0 away at Ipswich, they will hope to bounce back with a win on Saturday against their hosts who have a leaky defence and conceded in every game so far. New signings Callum Lang and Jason Cummings are likely to feature at some point as well as Ro-Shaun Williams and Ollie Norburn who are back from injury. I think Norburn will start on the bench.

Score Prediction – Wimbledon 1-3 Shrewsbury Town

Predicted XI’s

AFC Wimbledon:

Trott

Kalambayi

Thomas

Delaney

O’Neill

Wagstaff

Nightingale

Reilly

Guiness Walker

Piggot

Forss

Shrewsbury Town:

O’Leary

Pierre

Ebanks Landell

Williams

Love

Goss

Edwards

Laurent

Giles

Cummings

Lang

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 a past game against this weekends opponents AFC Wimbledon.

Shrewsbury Town 1-0 Wimbledon 26/01/91

This week we play AFC Wimbledon, a team who we have an excellent record against with only one defeat coming in our ten fixtures against them since the first time we played them in 2011. This is of course only a small part of the story of the south west London club and I’m going to have a look at a famous Gay Meadow FA Cup tie against the original Wimbledon FC, affectionately known as the Crazy Gang.

Gay Meadow always seemed to create an extra special atmosphere for FA Cup ties, especially against top tier opposition. The boggy weather beaten pitch usually played in our favour. The famous old ground played host to Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea amongst others in cup ties but a 1-0 victory against Wimbledon in January 1991 to set up a clash with the Gunners in round 5 is sometimes overlooked.

It’s easy to forget that Wimbledon managed by Ray Harford were 7th in the top division at the time and were regular top half finishers in the top tier of English football. They had won the cup with a giant killing performance of their own less than three years earlier against the mighty Liverpool.

Wimbledon were used to the plucky underdog tag themselves and had gained a reputation for getting under the skins of the big boys. It didn’t seem to suit them to be strong favourites against a third division side and it was John Bond’s Shrewsbury who had all the best chances in the first half with Dean Spink going close on several occasions. It was fellow fair haired ex Villa striker Gary Shaw who got what turned out to be the winning goal guiding a Billy Askew cross past Hans Segers before half time. The Dons struggled to get back into the game and Town were worthy winners.

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 Ireland, Bill Thompson.

Where do you live?

Currently in Dublin, but that might change to Berlin soon.

How long have you supported Shrewsbury?

Since ’98 or ’99 – definitely while Jake King was manager.

What drew you to supporting Shrewsbury Town?

I was 5 years old and my family had just moved to Shrewsbury. My Dad (Bournemouth fan) took me to a match on the basis that you should at least check out your local team and I was hooked from the off. At that age, you’re just starting to put an identity together so to have my town and my team to hang on to was massive. After 6 years we moved again, first to the US and then Switzerland before I ended up in Ireland myself, and absence definitely made the heart grow stronger.

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

I made my girlfriend wear a Town shirt for the play-off final the other year, so maybe one at a stretch.

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

It’s quite 50/50 – on the one hand there’s a lot of sympathy because local teams, right down to the village level, for the native Gaelic sports (Gaelic Football and Hurling) are a big deal. People really respond to the thought of sticking with where you’re from. However, just about every football fan in Ireland supports Liverpool or a Manchester club (despite never having been to England) and I do get a lot of “how on earth could you support such a low quality team that’s never on TV?” reactions – can’t imagine England is much different, to be fair though.

How do you watch the games?

Unless we make a decent enough cup run to get on TV, via BBC score updates. I did manage to get over to the 2-0 Portsmouth match during Hurst’s season reign and that was brilliant.

What was the first game you went to?

Can’t remember precisely, but we lost to a Northern team.

Who is your favourite Town player of all time?

Ryan Lowe, almost entirely for his worldie against Blackpool that one time!

Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?

Has to be Graham Turner, that man has embodied the club and taken it to heights I’m sure most fans might never have expected and we may never see again, or at all for those of us not paying attention in the ’80s. “Legend” gets used pretty lightly, but there’s no word to better describe him.

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

Trevor Challis putting his penalty away, right in front of me and the stand duly erupting.

What is your favourite Salop kit?

The 1980-81 “Spinal Tap” kit, no doubt whatsoever.

Where do you think we will finish this season?

Top half, maybe challenging for the play-offs.

Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?

I could probably spend all day answering (or trying to answer) this one. I think above all, it’s part of my identity and completely ingrained into who I am, for better or for worse. I don’t think it would be possible to not love the club after all these years, but I can’t rationally defend anything about my obsession with Town. Which is how your football team should be!

Massive thanks to Bill 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 Town fan Leo Barlow’s All Time XI.

JOE HART

DARREN MOSS

PETE WILDING

CONNOR GOLDSON

TOMMY LYNCH

SHAUN WHALLEY

RYAN WOODS

GREG DOCHERTY

JON TAYLOR

DEAN SPINK

GRANT HOLT

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/

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 Argentina, Ignacio Juanche. Be sure to follow him on Twitter at @ShrewsArg 🇦🇷

Where do you live?

I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina.🇦🇷

How long have you supported Shrewsbury?

I have supported Shrewsbury since 2013.

What drew you to supporting Shrewsbury Town?

Many things. First, here in Argentina we watch a lot of english football. Secondly, with the playstation I knew about Shrewsbury for the first time. Maybe the lion on the badge was what most impressed me. Due to that, I started following the team, knowing about the players and the results.

How many other Salop fans do you know in Argentina?

I know about an english family that lives in Buenos Aires. They are Salop fans and we contacted each other during the Checkatrade Trophy final.

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

They like it. Because of not being a “big” team. Also here my team is like that (Tigre, argentinian champion the last season for the first time in history). I think happy moments are bigger with these type of teams. The love for the Club it is incredible.

How do you watch the games?

It’s difficult to watch every game, but sometimes I use iFollow or another TV channel on the internet. Once the argentinian TV showed a live game, it was against Chelsea.

What was the first game you went to?

The first and the unique game, it was a friendly match against Cardiff in 2015. Great experience in the town and stadium.

Who is your favourite Town player of all time?

My favourite player is Ryan Woods. When I started following Shrewsbury, he was in my opinion the best. And when I went to the game, I saw him on the pitch. Excellent player.

Who is your favourite Salop manager of all time?

My favourite manager is Paul Hurst. Some people do not like the way he left the club. But what he did in Shrewsbury was incredible. That season was awesome. But also, I really liked Micky Mellon. The promotion in 2015 was something really special.

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

My favourite moment was when I could finally go to the stadium in 2015, when the dream came true.

What is your favourite Salop kit?

The best kits are both from 2015-2016 season. The home kit is beautiful (I have it). And the Argentinian style away is awesome. It was like if I designed it.

Where do you think we will finish this season?

I really do not know. It is too difficult to keep the players on the team. Always we have good lads, they go to another team. Last season was complicated due to the 2017-2018 team was disbanded. I hope to fight again for the promotion.

Why do you love supporting Shrewsbury Town?

As I said before. It is a team that you really get involved with. Always difficult goals but then the hapiness is bigger.

Massive thanks to Ignacio for speaking to us and for supporting our great club. If you know anyone or are a Salop fan living in 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/

This weeks Fan Of The Week Chris Saxton has picked his Shrewsbury Town All Time Eleven, this is based on since he has been a Salop fan.

DEAN HENDERSON

CONNOR GOLDSON

TOTO NSIALA

RO-SHAUN WILLIAMS

SAM AISTON

RYAN WOODS

GREG DOCHERTY

BEN GODFREY

JON TAYLOR

GRANT HOLT

LUKE RODGERS

Manager –

PAUL HURST

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/

Talk about a cult hero for Shrewsbury Town and fans over the age of 25 will mostly say Dean Spink, amassing over 270 appearances for Salop and scoring 53 goals. We had a chat to the striker turned centre back about his time in Shropshire and his love of football.

How did it feel to debut for Shrewsbury Town?

It felt unbelievable as it was my first game for my first full time club

What was the best moment for you personally in a Shrewsbury Town shirt?

The best moment for me was winning the Third Division championship unbelievable times. After winning the championship there was plenty of beer of course and partying.

You played under a few managers at Shrewsbury, who did you enjoy playing for the most?

Asa Hartford was my first manager he was so good, Fred Davies was good as he gave everyone unbelievable confidence until the time we went to Wembley…

What made you choose to play for Shrewsbury?

I decided on Shrewsbury as i wanted to make a impression on my game and profession.

Who was the best player you played with at Shrewsbury?

There were a lot , in my position was Wayne Clarke he was unbelievable. He knew the game inside and out.

What did you think of Shrewsbury as a town?

Shrewsbury is a beautiful town I have many friends still there , my boys still live there and maybe one day I will go back.

Do you still keep an eye out for how the Town are doing?

Yes, of course I always look for the score every weekend.

Who was the best player you played against?

Tony Adams for Arsenal, he read the game unbelievably.

What football team do you support?

Birmingham City.

Who was your footballing hero when you were young?

Mark Hughes I used to study his game. He had strength and the ability to hold the ball up, which I took into my game.

When did you realise that being a footballer was the career for you?

All I wanted to do was to play football, my careers officer used to say you cannot say that it doesn’t happen and then one year down the line I signed with Aston Villa.

What advise would you give to anyone wanting to become a footballer?

Work hard on your education and if it’s meant to be it will happen. You need a bit of luck as well.

Why do you love football?

I love football because it’s a great way of expressing yourself as a player, the feeling you get when you have won is unbelievable and you feel invincible. But when you loose it’s another story!

Massive thanks to Deano for answering our questions and for being such a great player for our club. Be sure to check out our Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/GoingDownTheOteleyRoad/ and on Twitter @GDTORsalop

Daz Carding

“Going Down The Oteley Road”

https://goingdowntheoteleyroad.home.blog/