Post by skally on Aug 20, 2006 17:31:24 GMT
TMS article v Boston (19/08/06).
Good afternoon all, this is my first article of the season proper and I would like start by saying how much I’ve enjoyed the season so far. All three games have offered plenty of entertainment and most importantly of all; we have not lost any of them.
The first thing that struck me as I strolled into the Meadow before the Mansfield game two weeks ago was the sheer size of the crowd and the loud noise they were producing right from the off. Unexpectedly, I had to queue for 10 minutes before even entering the ground, then even when I got inside there were people stood in my favourite spot. Let’s hope that this is a sign of things to come, competition for places in the stand as well as on the pitch!
The game itself was a great display of attacking football, we looked great going forward but Mansfield were equal to us when they had possession. I fully expect both teams to be there or there abouts come the end of the season when the top seven places are finalised. Defensively, it was clear that there were a few improvements to be made but overall I think most fans left the ground with a smile on their face and with promotion optimism still in tact.
Three days later we made the journey east to Nottingham for the game against Notts County We were not on the coach as usual however due to work commitments so it was a quick dash in my red missile with a very capable Mark Fielden taking map reading duties. Those of you who have ever played ‘Mario Kart: Double Dash’ will be able to picture the scene as we weaved in and out of traffic desperate to make the game. The skilful navigation and powerhouse driving were so good in fact that we arrived at Meadow Lane half an hour before kick off leaving just enough time to sink a couple of bottles of squishy Carling and catch up with old friends that we had not chatted to since May.
After a forgettable first half, Ben Davies opened the scoring straight after the re-start,. He stabbed home from close range after good work from Asamoah and Edwards and the away end went mental. Only a bizarre equaliser involving Ryan Esson and a possible foul left the Scottish keeper red faced and Town with only a draw when they really deserved a win.
Two games in and it was already clear what great signings Ben Davies and Derek Asamoah were proving to be. Davies is a rare talent in league two, a player with genuine first class passing and crossing ability. He seems to have so much time and composure on the ball, always thinking before selecting the perfect pass, may your great form continue Ben. Derek Asamoah meanwhile is the kind of striker that will give defenders nightmares. Small, mobile with lightning pace and skillful feet, I’m sure Derek will go onto to be a great success at our club. No goals yet but he has already proved his worth to the team and is turning into a real fans favourite.
The season rolled on with the trip to Bury last Saturday and the chance to pick up a much needed first win against a weak side. The day started on a slightly sour note however as I awoke on Mark’s sofa bed with the fire of a thousand suns burning inside my head. Yes, the Guinness had not been kind to me and getting up to go on a coach trip was not what I needed at all. However, one sausage bap, a few hairy moments and an hour or so of travelling later and Skally was back! I sprang to life on the coach at around midday, exchanged some banter with Kazza and Steph and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the day. I even managed to hoover a pint of the black stuff in our favourite pub ‘The George’ before the game!
For some unknown reason we were escorted into the opposite end of Gigg Lane than normal for the match and were greeted inside by an excitable Bizzy, it was clear that pre-match beers had been flowing! Town started superbly with only Alan Fettis at his best and the upright keeping Ben Davies and Kelvin Langmead at bay. After the first five minutes though things went rather wrong for Town, Esson failed to deal with a cross allowing Bury to score and soon after Sagi Burton missed a penalty to add to our frustration. It was certainly with relief as much as joy that we celebrated the second half turnaround and the three points heading back to Shrewsbury.
All in all it’s been a good start to the season. I think that if I had been offered 5 points from the opening 3 games then I would’ve taken it, especially taking into account Town’s patchy away record in recent years.
Today’s opponents Boston United have already lost two of their opening three games and I’m more than confident that we can make it three out of four with a win today. Last season our home form was generally excellent and I don’t see any reason why that should change. Let’s make the Meadow a fortress for its final season.
Keep the faith!
Skally
www.themightyshrew.co.uk
Good afternoon all, this is my first article of the season proper and I would like start by saying how much I’ve enjoyed the season so far. All three games have offered plenty of entertainment and most importantly of all; we have not lost any of them.
The first thing that struck me as I strolled into the Meadow before the Mansfield game two weeks ago was the sheer size of the crowd and the loud noise they were producing right from the off. Unexpectedly, I had to queue for 10 minutes before even entering the ground, then even when I got inside there were people stood in my favourite spot. Let’s hope that this is a sign of things to come, competition for places in the stand as well as on the pitch!
The game itself was a great display of attacking football, we looked great going forward but Mansfield were equal to us when they had possession. I fully expect both teams to be there or there abouts come the end of the season when the top seven places are finalised. Defensively, it was clear that there were a few improvements to be made but overall I think most fans left the ground with a smile on their face and with promotion optimism still in tact.
Three days later we made the journey east to Nottingham for the game against Notts County We were not on the coach as usual however due to work commitments so it was a quick dash in my red missile with a very capable Mark Fielden taking map reading duties. Those of you who have ever played ‘Mario Kart: Double Dash’ will be able to picture the scene as we weaved in and out of traffic desperate to make the game. The skilful navigation and powerhouse driving were so good in fact that we arrived at Meadow Lane half an hour before kick off leaving just enough time to sink a couple of bottles of squishy Carling and catch up with old friends that we had not chatted to since May.
After a forgettable first half, Ben Davies opened the scoring straight after the re-start,. He stabbed home from close range after good work from Asamoah and Edwards and the away end went mental. Only a bizarre equaliser involving Ryan Esson and a possible foul left the Scottish keeper red faced and Town with only a draw when they really deserved a win.
Two games in and it was already clear what great signings Ben Davies and Derek Asamoah were proving to be. Davies is a rare talent in league two, a player with genuine first class passing and crossing ability. He seems to have so much time and composure on the ball, always thinking before selecting the perfect pass, may your great form continue Ben. Derek Asamoah meanwhile is the kind of striker that will give defenders nightmares. Small, mobile with lightning pace and skillful feet, I’m sure Derek will go onto to be a great success at our club. No goals yet but he has already proved his worth to the team and is turning into a real fans favourite.
The season rolled on with the trip to Bury last Saturday and the chance to pick up a much needed first win against a weak side. The day started on a slightly sour note however as I awoke on Mark’s sofa bed with the fire of a thousand suns burning inside my head. Yes, the Guinness had not been kind to me and getting up to go on a coach trip was not what I needed at all. However, one sausage bap, a few hairy moments and an hour or so of travelling later and Skally was back! I sprang to life on the coach at around midday, exchanged some banter with Kazza and Steph and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the day. I even managed to hoover a pint of the black stuff in our favourite pub ‘The George’ before the game!
For some unknown reason we were escorted into the opposite end of Gigg Lane than normal for the match and were greeted inside by an excitable Bizzy, it was clear that pre-match beers had been flowing! Town started superbly with only Alan Fettis at his best and the upright keeping Ben Davies and Kelvin Langmead at bay. After the first five minutes though things went rather wrong for Town, Esson failed to deal with a cross allowing Bury to score and soon after Sagi Burton missed a penalty to add to our frustration. It was certainly with relief as much as joy that we celebrated the second half turnaround and the three points heading back to Shrewsbury.
All in all it’s been a good start to the season. I think that if I had been offered 5 points from the opening 3 games then I would’ve taken it, especially taking into account Town’s patchy away record in recent years.
Today’s opponents Boston United have already lost two of their opening three games and I’m more than confident that we can make it three out of four with a win today. Last season our home form was generally excellent and I don’t see any reason why that should change. Let’s make the Meadow a fortress for its final season.
Keep the faith!
Skally
www.themightyshrew.co.uk
