Keeper calls on everyone to unite for remaining 'cup finals'
Goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler says the backing of the Shrewsbury Town fans will be crucial in helping the club achieve promotion in the remaining 8 games. The Swiss stopper kept his 21st clean sheet of the season in all competitions to help Town to a 2nd successive win against Oxford United on Saturday. Skipper Liam Lawrence scored them both, one from the penalty spot in the opening 2 minutes and the other from a late free kick. The result keeps Town 2nd, 5 points off leaders Burton Albion.
"We really need the fans every game because the remaining matches will be like big cup finals," said Leutwiler. "They've always been good with us and we want everyone in the stadium to push us and help us win games. We are in a great position and we take it game by game. We will do our best to stay at the top end of the league and win every game."
Town were pushed all the way by Oxford, especially after Derby loanee Rhys Sharpe was sent off for two bookable offences in the 2nd half.
"It was a great win with 10 men," said Leutwiler. "We really enjoyed it and it's a good 3 points for us. I think the performance was alright. We scored very early which made it a bit easier but it was important we kept our focus on the game and it was a great result.
"Liam was brilliant, the penalty came at a great time for us and the free kick was beautiful, very powerful. He's a very experienced man and knows what we need. He's important for the team but that's not just in the last couple of games, he's been like that since the start of the season."
It was also a welcome clean sheet for Shrewsbury and means they've conceded only 9 goals in the league at the Greenhous Meadow in 19 games.
"In every game we want to keep a clean sheet but sometimes we get a run where we don't," said Leutwiler. "I really enjoyed it against Oxford, everyone worked hard for and we're very happy.
In the 1st half I had to make a couple of stops but we were solid at the back. They were pressing and had shots but nothing very dangerous. They probably had more chances before our sending off."