Sam Ricketts reflects on Town's 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Shrewsbury Town welcomed Liverpool Football Club to the Montgomery Waters Meadow for the fourth-round of the FA Cup.
Against all odds, Salop were able to battle back from 2-0 down to earn a replay fixture at Anfield against the European and FIFA Club World Champions.
Sam Ricketts was pleased with The Shrews’ performance and feels his team had opportunities to win the match.
“Ultimately, I am delighted for the players,” said Sam. “They carried out the game plan superbly well. Even at one down, we had chances. At half-time we just told the lads to believe and keep going.
“We told them that if they really believe they can do it, and if they want it enough, they can go out and do it. After 32 seconds they scored but fair play to the lads – they kept going and going.
“In the end, they got what they deserved - they deserved at least a draw. I think the game was there for us to win. We had the better chances. We certainly had good ones in the first-half.
“We had one or two more second-half and it wasn’t until Jason scored that we began to be more clinical in that area. They played out the game plan really, really well and the next step was just scoring that goal.”
Sam was pleased the Town fans were able to witness a cup upset at the Montgomery Waters Meadow but admits all focus is now back on the upcoming league fixtures.
“The scenes at the end were similar to the Bristol City replay here,” said Town’s manager. It was maximised because of the quality of opponent we faced. This is what football is about and what the FA Cup is about.
“It’s great for a Club like us to hold Liverpool to a draw – and deservedly so. We have a great group of players and the mentality is excellent – you could all see that.
“We will be ready for the Gillingham game. Physically it’s a hard one, mentally it’s a hard one. We will be getting ready to go again Wednesday and Saturday. Only then will our focus be on going to Anfield.”