James Collins pleased to be back on scoring and Town winning
James Collins hailed a "vitally important" three points as Shrewsbury Town returned to winning ways against Cheltenham on Saturday.The striker notched his 5th of the season - and first league goal since August - in the 3-1 victory as Town came from behind to maintain their excellent run of form at the Greenhous Meadow. It's seven wins from eight at home, and the result lifted Shrewsbury to eighth in the league.
"It was vitally important we got the win, especially being at home because we want to make this place a fortress," said Collins.
"We need to sort the away form out so a victory against Cheltenham was a must."
Town went a goal down early in the second half, but responded with Collins' equaliser two minutes later. Goals from Andy Mangan - also his 5th of the season - and a first in Shrewsbury colours for Nathaniel Knight-Percival clinched the points.
"Their goal came from our chance, which we were a bit unlucky with," said Collins. "Then I managed to intercept the ball, put it away and get us back on level terms. From then there was only one team that was going to win it. Once we got the second and third, I thought we went into cruise control and were the better side."
Collins got the winner against Norwich in the League Cup 3rd round at the end of last month, but he hadn't scored in League Two since putting Town in front against Northampton at Sixfields on 23rd August.
"I'm happy with any goal to break that duck," he said. "I've not scored in a few weeks. The team not scoring in general plays on your mind, whether it be me or anyone else. We got back to winning ways and that was more important.
"I could have had a lot more goals this season. No-one will try harder to score than me. Against Luton, we had something like 15 shots and their 'keeper has come out on top. You've just got to keep plugging away and eventually it will come."
Manager Micky Mellon tinkered with Town's shape in the second half and brought on captain Liam Lawrence at the break to spark Shrewsbury's performance.
"Liam did well when he came on for the second half, he's not played at the highest level all his career for nothing," said Collins. "That's the type of squad we've got. We've a great set of lads and if we get promotion this year, for me, it will be a move that's worked out. We'll be there or thereabouts. It's a long season, there are still a lot of games left and I don't think there will be many teams above us."