Collo on winning, scoring and being skipper
James Collins was elated after scoring the winner to send his side into the second round of the FA cup. The striker feels Shrewsbury dealt with Gainsborough well:“We were prodding and probing from the first whistle. I felt like we were always in control and would win the game but we had to get the goal and I am delighted we could do that and come away with the victory. We had to match Gainsborough’s enthusiasm today and I felt we did that well.”
“We were always confident of seeing the game out. We deserved to score more goals but one was enough for us today.”
The 24-year-old was relieved to get back amoungst the goals and back in form after fighting back from injury:
“It has been a long time coming for me. It is always good to score goals, I scored in the reserve game earlier in the week and that gave me the confidence to get my goal today. I was glad to play and to be captain so it was brilliant to celebrate that by grabbing a goal. I didn’t know I would be captain until about an hour before the game so it was a surprise!”
“It hasn’t been my greatest season so far but I like to think if I can play I will score goals so I am glad I did that today and I hope I can continue that. It is frustrating for me now that we have a break in fixtures. Once you win and score you want the games to flow so you can keep in form. But we will have a good week training and be well rested ready for the Wigan game.”
Collins was impressed with the Shrewsbury substitutes who made a positive influence on the game:
“I was delighted for the lads that came on. Scott Vernon hasn’t played for a while so it was nice for him to come on and play well. Shaun had a great chance and hit the bar. I think they all made a great impact and deserve a lot of credit. We have a great squad which is better than our league position and I think that showed that.”
The former Republic of Ireland U21 International is hoping for a home tie when the draw is made for the FA cup second round:
“I will watch the draw at home with my family. I would like a home tie because I think you always have an advantage playing at home so any home tie would be ideal.”