Andy Mangan happy with late goal and important 3 points
Matchwinner Andy Mangan celebrated his 8th goal of the season by targeting the League 2 title as Shrewsbury moved back to second in the table with Saturday's 1-0 victory over Morecambe.
It was another late show at the Greenhous Meadow, with substitute Mangan netting 4 minutes from time to clinch a hard earned win in a match where Town created a catalogue of chances.
"Every single game now is a big one for us," said the former Fleetwood and Wrexham striker.
"We want to win the league. the gaffer makes no secret about that and I won't either. I like being in winning teams and we've got to keep that self belief, especially at home as teams will come here and frustrate us. Our home record is down to a lot of hard work. It's no fluke that we've come away with those wins."
Out of 15 home matches in league and cup this season, Shrewsbury have won 13, but for long stages against Morecambe, it looked like Jim Bentley's side would keep Town at bay.
"We've got a great group of lads and we understand teams are going to come here and try to frustrate us and get away with a point," he said. "We know we've got to play until to the final whistle. Morecambe are a really good side and had a couple of chances. I know the management team and they're very astute. They came here with a game plan but thankfully we've got the win."
Town hit the woodwork twice, Connor Goldon had a header ruled out for offside and 'keeper Scott Davies kept the visitors in it with some fine saves as the home side dominated the second half. And it was Davies' parry from James Collins' shot which eventually led to Town's breakthrough.
"Collo has done a lovely bit of skill with his shot and my mate Scott Davies has parried it in the air and I was just praying i was onside," said Mangan. "As it's dropped, I've side footed it in. It's great for the team and we deserved the win. I should have got another at the end from the half way line but the pitch isn't great."
Mangan, who hit goals in the League Cup against Leicester and Chelsea this season, has seen his season hit by a series of niggling knee injuries in recent weeks but says he's hopeful of playing a major role between now and May.
"I had a scan on Friday and it's a case of it being managed," he said. "Hopefully I'll be fine for the rest of the season. It's frustrating especially after being out for 18 months previously. If I can keep contributing goals and getting my fitness back, I'll be fine.
"I'm not quite fit enough to start matches. I've been coming on playing cameo roles. I probably need a few days running to get me sorted but those 35 minutes I've had against Morecambe will have done me the world of good. Don't worry, I'll be knocking on the gaffer's door when I'm fit and ready!"
Town now prepare for some appetising games over the festive period with a trip to Oxford United on Boxing Day, before successive matches against promotion rivals Wycombe, Burton and Luton.
"Everyone is playing everyone at the top over Christmas and New Year," he said. "I don't pay much attention to what other teams are doing at this time of year though, we just need to concentrate on ourselves and stay focused. If we come out of this period with a few wins, it'll be fantastic."