Skipper expecting tough test from Saturday's visitors
Skipper Matt Richards insists hard work is the key to Shrewsbury Town staying clear of immediate danger at the wrong end of League One.
The midfielder has been encouraged by Town's last two performances which saw them pick up four points from their trips to MK Dons and Crewe Alexandra.
And he is now determined to help Shrewsbury put more daylight between themselves and fifth-bottom Oldham Athletic ahead of Saturday's important clash between the sides at the Greenhous Meadow.
Oldham beat Hartlepool 3-0 on Tuesday night in their first game under new manager Lee Johnson and Richards knows the Latics players will be out to catch the eye of their 31-year-old boss.
"Oldham appointed a new manager this week and all the players will be wanting to impress him," said Richards. "They'll be fighting not only for survival in this division this season but also their careers at Oldham because things can change when a new manager with his own ideas comes in.
"No doubt they will come at us all guns blazing, but I think the way we've played the last few games we can deal with that and push for three more points.
"We're certainly not taking anything for granted as there's still a long way to go and a lot can happen over the final seven games. We've just got to continue to work hard."
Richards added this weekend would be the perfect time for Town to improve their home results and rediscover the bright form which saw them go unbeaten at the Greenhous Meadow throughout the whole of last season.
"We've got to improve our home form," he said. "We've had some difficult games here but that's not really an excuse so hopefully we can sort it out."