A draw that felt like a win that left us disappointed. Or something like that. On a day when Town's promotion bid inched closer to becoming a solid reality, the overriding feeling is one of disappointment. The train journey there was enjoyable, plenty of good-natured Norwich fans. The way back, I talked to some very friendly Swansea fans who advised against going to the Premiership (apparently the atmospheres are bad) and plenty of embarrassing Town "fans". And the arrests at the station really soured it. Anyway, that's beside the point. Wright was again abused despite having a brilliant first half and we knocked the ball around very nicely first half, without creating too many clear-cut chances. Accy were the opposite. Overall, a draw was a fair result. Their goal was a screamer directly in my line of sight, and they had more chances and outplayed us for a fair chunk of the second half. The effort in the last 10 minutes when the crowd roared on the players with knowledge of Torquay's score was annoying. We dominated that period, but why didn't we play like that all game? Turner's subs were also a little strange. Wright wasn't as good in the second half but was working hard, and he was brilliant in the first, and is always capable of getting a goal. I think Collins was injured slightly; he was going through some rigorous stretches with Skitty before the game and didn't look 100%. Neal: 8 - Another excellent game. Made some very good saves, and looked happy when the crowd shouted his name. Grandison: 6.5 - Average. Not as good as we've seen him play, but he still did alright. SCS: 7 - Good game. Comfortable on the ball, looks like he's back to his best. Sharps: 6.5 - Fairly good. He was his usual throwing himself about self, but could have done better with their goal; it came from his weak clearance. Jacobson: 7 - Solid game against his former side. Richards: 7.5 - Again, put his foot on the ball and put some decent passes whilst stopping the other team getting too much of the ball, and cleared one off the line too! Wroe: 6.5 - Couldn't affect the game as much as he'd like. He wasn't back enough as he maybe should have for their goal, we needed a D. Mac figure to get back and prevent a shot. Wasn't bad, though. Wildig: 6.5 - Fairly quiet. Helped Grandison and went close with a great 20 yarder, but did little else of note. Wright: 7 -Great in the first half, every good move was through him and he made the goal with some nice play. Faded badly in the second half but chased more. Gornell: 7.5 - Very good. Extremely well taken goal (surprised he celebrated) but faded a little as per. Collins: 6 - Not himself at all. There were several times we just fannied around with it around the box and needed him to just bloody HIT IT, but he wasn't on the ball, and, as I said, I think he was injured. Morgan: 7 - full of running and nearly scored when he rounded the keeper. Taylor: 6 - I just didn't expect him to change the game. He had a chance to shoot, but kept dribbling before eventually skying it badly from a bad position. I think he just needs a goal to get his confidence back.
Very good report, Lenny. I wasnt there so I will take your word for it. We should have our biggest crowd yet at the Greenhous Meadow on Saturday - we will not have to worry about any other result and I am sure we will get the job done! Floreat Salopia! League 1 here we come!
i do hope the chairman and board do not allow shrews to become another L1 yo yo club. coming up against big names like portsmouth coventry preston etc, shrews must be allowed the cash to compete and progress. of course many of our squad will be able to cope with a little strategic strengthening from gt and rowlands zip proof, combination lock chubb wallet. likewise it would be nice to see any cash spent rewarded with improved gates i have a dream, opening game of the new season shrews 3 portsmouth 1 bradshaw hat trick. att 9089 i have a dream. still let us get there first
Nice write up Lenny. It is frustrating that town fans heckle players mid match, save it till the end if needed. Shame we couldn't get the win, would have been nice to be looking at overtaking Swindle rather than fight off the teams below.
Agree with a lot of Lenny's comments. Neal is the only choice for MotM for me as we'd have lost but for him. We were better 1st half but never got going 2nd half, until the last 10 mins and even then a goal looked unlikely. We needed too long on the ball and missed some shooting opportunities. Good games from Jacobson and Gornell, others varied from OK to so-so. Hopefully get a better performance on Saturday. Don't know whether Collins was carrying a knock but Nsiala (Everton loanee) dominated him - as good a centre back performance as I've seen all season. A bit flat afterwards but only because it looked as though we might seriously close on Swindon and we missed that chance. Main point is we strengthened our position over all our rivals and can clinch it at home. Accrington's a great club - very friendly and generous. Not many clubs would announce a lap of honour for opponents on their home ground if they clinched promotion, or console them at the end by saying you only need another point. The programme was full of good wishes for Shrews as well & they've since thanked us for the behaviour of the biggest ever away following at the Crown Ground (including Newcastle)! Great reception for and from Kevin McIntyre at the end as well. So memorable day overall, if not quite as much as it might have been. We're almost there.
