The Teaming of the Shrews

The Pilgrims defeat of Blackburn Rovers, inflicting a first loss in 18 games for the Lancashire side, was music to the ears of the Shrews, chasing automatic promotion along with Rovers, and others.

By virtue of Argyle’s win, and Shrewsbury’s victory over Bristol Rovers, Salop leapt into second place in the table. 

But now, it is they who must face the resurgent Argyle in Sky Bet League One action. Any residual fondness is now evaporating. 

The Shrews have been in great form at home this season, winning ten of their thirteen games at home and losing just one.

Shrewsbury have been many people’s surprise package this season as they look to gain promotion to the Sky Bet Championship. It will be a tricky game for the Greens, but Argyle manager Derek Adams is looking forward to the encounter.

“We have got a difficult game on Saturday against a team that is near the top of the table,” said Derek. “It is one we are looking forward to. We have done well against the likes of Wigan and Blackburn and we want to go up there and take the three points on Saturday,.

“They have had a very good season; they are the surprise team in the league and they have been able to keep themselves at the top of the table on a consistent basis.

“They have worked extremely hard as a team. They have been able to win most of their games by the odd goal. They are sound defensively, and they have had goalscorers in their team as well.”

Adams sees some similarities between the two sides set ups, but believes Argyle have ‘special’ players to take the game to Shrewsbury. 

“I think that they’re probably like us,” he said. “We probably have a few more individually special players in our team than Shrewsbury have. We have a Carey and a Lamieras in our team that do something different. They work as a team and sometimes that is very beneficial. 

“It works for them; they are a very strong unit with a number of players who can score goals. Like any team they have their weaknesses as well, they have players playing out of position along their back four.

“We’d take a draw right at this minute and go home. But we are going there to win and try and get another three points.”