Marcus Braddock takes a look at all things Shrewsbury Town
This week hasn't been a classic by any stretch of the imagination but we clinched a position of third place or better. Somehow it doesn't feel like it should and that's got something to do with the expectation that this team has built. I think it also has a little to do with doing better than all but two of League One and it only being worth one chance in four along side teams that have managed quite a few less points than we've collected. That sounds like sour grapes I know but I've seen this team work so hard all season and I find it difficult to imagine either of the two teams above us doing what they have done with our resources.
That is the headline that we need to remember, we have had an incredible season. I would have been overjoyed to finish ten places lower than we have done and the team has earned the luxury of some rest before the play-offs. That is going to give players like Abo Eisa the opportunity to show us all what he can do and that's the real positive to take from last week. His 45 minutes on Wednesday were promising but on Saturday he really got his head down and ran at Bury, frightening them and thrilling the home support. He certainly looks like a great find for the future and it will be interesting to see how he progresses with a full pre-season under his belt.
You may have noticed that I glossed over our game last Tuesday, I'm reluctant to re-live that particular game and should we meet them again in a few weeks, Id imagine a more motivated and refreshed performance.
The coming week sees Peterborough United visit Montgomery Waters Meadow on Tuesday followed by a trip to the seaside for Shrewsbury Town. Posh are five points adrift of the play-off places with nine points to play for so they aren't quite out of it and will be pushing us all the way.
Blackpool are safely moored in mid-table without the risk of relegation or the excitement of the play-offs. It should be a fun occasion with Town supporters dressing for the beach replete with Hawaiian shirts and sun hats!
The youth team didn't have a good weekend with a 5-0 defeat at Walsall in the Youth Alliance League. Next weekend they entertain Preston North End at Sundorne Sports Centre on Saturday morning.
In off the pitch news, Joe Riley, along with family and friends are doing a walk from the Worsley Hall in Manchester to the Blackpool Tower, covering a distance of 40 miles on the 16th of June. The walk is in memory of their son Leo and proceeds will go to the Royal Bolton hospital maternity and bereavement unit in recognition of their hard work and support the staff have given the family during this difficult time.