Sam Ricketts reflects on Town's Emirates FA Cup upset over Bristol City.
Shrewsbury Town welcomed Bristol City to the Montgomery Waters Meadow for a third-round Emirates FA Cup replay, and against all the odds, caused an upset.
Salop managed to secure a 1-0 win over the Sky Bet Championship outfit to earn a fourth-round tie against current European and World Champions - Liverpool Football Club.
Sam Ricketts was delighted with the win and feels The Shrews earned the victory over the two legs against Lee Johnson's team.
“I am obviously delighted,” said Sam. “The players were excellent, I thought they were superb in carrying out what we asked them to do – not just tonight, the first game as well.
“In the two games, I think we have shown what we are capable of. I am delighted for them for getting through and I am delighted for the supporters. It was a real cup game tonight - both teams were having chances.
“I said before the game ‘nights like tonight are decided by a 25-yard strike'. I asked who is going to do it. Aaron had a shot first-half and at half-time, I asked him to hit the target next time – he certainly did.
“It was pure joy for the players, they are such a good group. We are really young in terms of coming together as a group. They gave everything and we can’t always be brilliant – performances go up and down.
“We have beat Sunderland here, we have beat Peterborough here, beat Portsmouth and now we can add Bristol City to that group. Ups and downs yes, but we will only get better.”
Sam felt the tie was a typical FA Cup fixture and is pleased his team were the victors on the night.
“Both teams were definitely going for it,” said Sam. “They had a few good chances to score but so did we – it was a great shot to win the game. We knew we had to be at our absolute best tonight and our game plan had to be carried out perfectly - it was for very large parts of the game.
“We have some really good talent in the squad and it’s a really good group. The longer we are together, the better we will be. Times like this are here to enjoy and really they unite everyone.
“It will be a special night for everyone involved. You could see what it meant to the supporters. Football is all about entertainment, enjoyment and that’s what cup runs are for.
“The FA Cup can take you anywhere. We have been to Bristol City at their lovely new ground and now we have the chance to play against Liverpool.”