Sam Ricketts reflects on Town's FA Cup draw with Bristol City.
Shrewsbury Town’s third-round FA Cup fixture with Bristol City ended with Town earning an away draw.
Despite going a goal down, Sam Ricketts’ men secured an equaliser in the second-half to earn a replay fixture at the Montgomery Waters Meadow against the Sky Bet Championship outfit.
Sam Ricketts was pleased with the performance from his team and feels Salop could have won the game against Lee Johnson’s men.
“I thought we were excellent for the vast majority of the game,” said the Salop boss. “We started the game well and we were thinking 'how long will this go on' - It kept on going.
“The biggest disappointment was Bristol scoring from a set-piece. I don’t think they had anything until then. We were the team in the ascendancy; I am just disappointed we went a goal down from that.
“We didn’t let it affect us and we finished the half strongly and in the second-half, we came out strong and got the equaliser. We carried on pushing trying to get the winner.
“Sean Goss has superb ability and we are surprised it’s taken him so long to score to be fair. It was great placement, you don’t always have to go for power, it was great placement right into the corner.”
Town didn’t let the Sky Bet Championship side control the game and Ricketts feels Salop had enough chances to send the club into the fourth-round.
“Sean’s goal was just one of a high number of chances,” said Ricketts. “We got into really good territory on a number of occasions – we also had a high number of balls go into the box. If you look at the stats, we had more possession and more shots and really dominated the game.
“We had lots of chances, Pierre had a chance on his right foot – if he hits the target, it’s a goal. We couldn’t quite get that second goal.
“We have come away from home against a good side and got a draw. They have some very, very good players. For us to take the game by the scruff of the neck like we did, move the ball well as we did and dominate possession - it was pleasing.
“We just couldn’t get the goal that we deserved. It was the last action that was missing, but overall I thought the players were outstanding. It will be a special night in the replay.
“The game will certainly be something the fans will get behind. It will be a good atmosphere but we need to think about our league games, which are important. When the time comes for the FA Cup, we will make sure we are ready."