AWAY SUPPORTERS
ASFC Sponsored by Gerry Hoofs it Long.
The Shrewsbury Town Away Supporters (“ASFC”) returned to action with a trip to Watford a week ago, ahead of Salop’s afternoon encounter with Stevenage. It was our first game for a couple of weeks due to not being able to arrange a tie before the FA Cup clash with Southampton and it looked likely to be another free weekend before Watford stepped in at the last minute. This meant the ASFC were without a number of regulars, including brothers Tim and Justin Klekot, the experienced defender Andy “Poolie” Davies, midfield enforcer Steve “PC” Price and striker Glyn Price. However the team was buoyed by the return of experienced utility man Danny Hough while Rob Skipwith and Ollie Warner also returned to the fold. Lining up in a usual 4-4-2 formation, Phil Thomas was again selected at centre-half alongside Andy “Groover” Groves while youngster John “Chaz” Jones was given a rare start. The facilities at Watford’s home ground, the Metropolitan Police Sports Ground, were nothing short of excellent with a beautiful pitch to boot which was supportive to good passing football – a tactic which the Shrews employed from the off, moving the ball from side to side and trying to force an opening goal. Watford are no slouches though and with an experienced defensive line protected their goalkeeper with all their might. Chaz came closest to a goal when his cross cum shot rebounded back off the post; meanwhile captain Gerry Leahy also came close when his powerful run through midfield ended with a shot from the edge of the area which the ‘keeper did well to push away. The away side were well on top and deservedly took the lead as half-time drew
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close. Skipwith picked up the ball on the right wing and delivered a pin point cross to Dave Evison who directed his effort perfectly into the bottom corner from nine yards out to give the goalkeeper no chance. The home side were clearly given a rollocking at half-time and they came out after the break in a far more determined mood, eager not to give Shrewsbury as much time on the ball, and they started well creating a chance in the opening minutes with their striker volleying over from just inside the area.
Shrewsbury pressed more as the half progressed, again testing the Hornets ‘keeper on a number of occasions. He stood firm to parry away shots from Evison and player-manager Andy Davies – the latter also fired over after reacting first to a rebound inside the area. The side forced corner after corner as they looked for the decisive second goal but alas it didn’t arrive.
Sensing they had been let off at one end, the hosts pushed forward in the final ten minutes of the game, forcing several corners themselves only to find Shrewsbury’s defence in a resolute mood. Groves had barely lost a header all afternoon and had put in a commanding performance alongside the rest of the defence – well worthy of a clean sheet. Overall a very solid away performance and a good way for the side to return to winning ways against a Watford side who are seasoned campaigners in the national supporters’ league and whom will beat more teams than they lose to this year.
Shrewsbury: Harvey,
M.Price, Groves,
P.Thomas, Hough, Jones, Leahy (c),
A.Thomas, Skipwith (Warner), Davies, Evison.
Man of the Match: 1st – Leahy, 2nd – Groves, 3rd - Hough.
Pricey
If you are interested in playing for the Shrewsbury Away Supporters Team or would like more information then send an e-mail to Andrew Davies at
adavies100@googlemail.com.
wrexham & shropshire | direct trains to london |
www.wrexhamandshropshire.co.uk
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