So we're still searching for that elusive first result. First goal too, come to think of it. However, the impression I seem to get is that we definitely had a good game against a very strong side, but maybe lacked a little of that elusive cutting edge. However, with the likes of Parry and Wright on the wings, there are definitely other areas where we can expect goals from other than just our strikers. Asa Hall, Richards, Summerfield - they all know where the net is. I still rate Gornell and Morgan but the fact is they are two players who are very good if partnered with someone like Collins - chases anything and everything, an old fashioned number 9. He was far from prolific, 23 goals in 18 months at League Two level is good but not exactly this dream "20 goal a season" striker everyone insists we need. However, he scored a lot of important goals and was more of a threat than both Morgan and Gornell - two players that make things happen. Gornell holds the ball up extremely well, is an intelligent player with a superb first touch and is very gifted technically, and it was this partnership which really allowed Collins to flourish last season. I remain convinced that we have enough to stay up, however. This Tuesday we entertain Preston, a game which will see three players return to their last club with SCS and Wroe for Prezzdun (both got 90 minutes yesterday) and Parry for us. Westley has rebuilt Preston with a view to challenging for promotion, and surprisingly enough he opted for a couple of good footballers rather than overgrown thugs. However, they were only able to get a goalless draw at home to Colchester on their opening game and I think this will be a good time to play them, with their squad still trying to gel together into an effective team. Did you know? Preston gave 10 players their League débuts against Colchester The bookies' thoughts: Shrewsbury: 8/5, Draw: 23/10, Preston: 13/8 Lenny's Grandison fact: Grandison has a grizzly bear carpet in his room. The bear's not dead; simply afraid to move. Lenny's prediction: Shrewsbury 2-1 Preston (Wright, Gornell); attendance 6,120
I should also mention that the betting thread has not been used yet - do people still want to do it or is it a waste of time?
Lenny Westley has surprisingly bought some footballers because he actually wants us to play passing football. Last weeks cup win over Huddersfield was one of the best performances for some time because they passed the ball about. Suspect though if needed we will be able to hoof it against certain teams. Suspect we will be 4-5-1 tomorrow.
This will be a massive game for us to settle our nerves and get some confidence back after two very tricky away fixtures. I go for a hard-fought 1-0 win for the Shrews with Gornell scoring - good home form will be the key to us staying up this year. Attendance 6150
2-1 to Shrewsbury Parry, Morgan (Header), sheriff (Corner) 6100 Greemhousmeadow man - edit your post and give an attendance prediction if you can
I expect that we'll see Jacobson tonight in for Purdie, but it wouldn't surprise me if Turner named an unchanged team.
I have also updated the betting league for this weekend - everyone has a virtual £150 should they choose to use it. Hopefully everyone will join in, the more the merrier
Excellent win and a world class goal by Parry. Ball retention was nowhere near as good as against Sheffield United and generally an untidy game from both sides. The defence dealt efficiently with anything Preston threw at them with only a couple of shots from distance that had to be saved by Wheale. Purdie probably edged MOM. Still no end product from the strikers (did either have a chance or shot at goal?) Three points-onwards and upwards.
No end product from us, actually thought Richards ran the game, curse of the old boy, have posted a match report on my thread welcome to view and comment. Can't complain about the result, you scored we didn't.
Purdie MoM again. Defence and keeper solid; Midfield more consistent; strikers still not getting the shots in. We've played three good teams and have come out of the games well. If we can get a forward line that hits the target we will be alright this season. GT said he was disappointe dto have missed out on a striker on Friday; anyone know who it was ?
Great night, great weather for shorts!! Fans on both sides good sports and didn't see any trouble. The team played well. Gornell and Morgan still seem to be struggling up front, I think they've both got positives but don't work well together. Parry good first half, but disappeared in second. Wrighty was due to be taken off by me and my mates, but then seemed to get a second wind and did some good footy later on. CM of Richards and Summerfield worked well, but need to provide more up front and shoot more. Hector caused one free kick on edge of box but good after that and Jones was solid. Purdie and Grandison did great jobs and Purdie looks like a good steal, Purdie probably sneaks mom. Wroe still cant do cornersbut managed a shot at goal, which is an improvement for him.
Defences were generally on top and neither side was able to create any really clear-cut chances, apart from Parry's wonder goal which spoiled a good 0-0 draw! Judging from the quality of some of the individual players in the Preston team this could be a really tough year for us but our team did hold together well when Preston had spells of possession. Jones would be my MOTM with his sensible safety-first defending and some good last-ditch tackling and blocks. Gornell and Morgan worked hard but made little impression on a defence well marshalled by Captain SCS and, in the absence of a new striker, the midfield are going to have to chip in with a few goals. The lack of pace from the wings also meant we rarely got behind their defence. Bring on Tranmere and we will see if we can make a dent in their 100% league record.
