Defender happy with a point in the end
Full-back Jack Grimmer took plenty of satisfaction from Shrewsbury’s 1-1 draw at home to Port Vale on Good Friday.
Sullay Kaikai’s supreme left-footed effort with just over 15 minutes of normal time remaining cancelled out Louis Dodds’ opener to keep Salop’s impressive unbeaten run in-tact.
And, although Grimmer would have preferred all three points prior to the match, he was relatively content with just the one considering the circumstances.
“At the beginning, I probably wouldn’t have taken it because Port Vale hadn’t had great results before this one,” the 22-year-old commented.
“With the confidence in the team, we wanted the three points so there is a little bit of disappointment that we haven’t won- especially with the chances we had at 1-1.
“But the run continues and it’s another point added to the tally.”
The result means that Town have now gone nine League One games without defeat- stretching their distance from the relegation zone to nine points.
Nevertheless, with eight fixtures still to play, Grimmer is wary that he and his teammates still have a lot of work to do to secure the Club’s survival.
“It’s the easy option to say that we’re there but I won’t think we’re safe until it’s mathematically impossible for us to get relegated,” the Fulham loanee said.
“Each match is still a cup final. We don’t want to take our position for granted and we don’t want to get dragged back into the relegation battle.
“We know that the fixtures we’ve got left are all against top six teams. Every three points will be valuable.”
One certainty is that Grimmer is enjoying his second loan spell at Greenhous Meadow, where supporters have welcomed him with open arms.
And the Scotland Under-21 international is evidently very grateful for the positive reception, which will surely continue in light of his consistently solid performances in Town colours.
“Ever since I came here, I have had the freedom to go and express myself thanks to the confidence that the manager gives me,” Grimmer asserted.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better reception from the fans- every home game they’re clapping me and singing.
“I’m very thankful to them- I don’t think they understand how much it kicks me on as a player. The manager, the staff and everyone around the club have been so welcoming during my time here and that can only help me improve.
“I’m quite chuffed with the way I’ve been playing. In the last few matches, we’ve been solid defensively- I’m happy with my form now and I just want to kick on.
“I’m not resting on my laurels, though. As I was injured for the first half of the season, I’m kind of just getting started. I’m still trying to improve my performances and do my best for the club.”
With Monday’s game against Walsall postponed due to international call-ups, Town’s attention now turns to the visit of Wigan Athletic on Saturday 2nd April.
With The Latics flying high in second place after a sensational run of 17 games without defeat, Grimmer is expecting a tough challenge against the 2013 FA Cup winners.
“They’ve done well this season and they’re back up to where they will feel they should be,” he added.
“It’s another good game that we’re looking forward to- especially with the confidence we’ve got. We can raise our game and play better against the top sides so it’s another chance to get points on the board.”