Sam Ricketts previews Town's Sky Bet League One fixture with Fleetwood Town.
Shrewsbury Town return to league action this weekend as Sam Ricketts’ team travel to Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium.
The Shrews will be looking to make it consecutive wins against The Cod Army after a 1-0 in the FA Cup against Bristol City.
Sam is expecting a tough test from Joey Barton’s team but expects his side to put in a positive performance away from home.
“They are a good team who are doing really well this year,” said Sam. “Joe has recruited really well. He’s in his second season now so that was probably all about setting up for this year.
“They are a good side this year and will probably finish at the top end of the table. They’re a tough team, really fit and work incredibly hard. It’s something we will need to be ready for.
“They are a threat from a number of areas and that’s something we need to be wary of. We will have to try and nullify them, it won’t be easy – we found that out at home.
“We got caught out by a corner and then in the second-half we couldn’t get going again. They certainly showed their quality that day. We know what to expect. You have to respect their strengths.
“They have some really good players, they have a good way of playing and they move the ball well. We will have to respect that and try to implement ourselves on the game.”
Sam admits Town’s confidence is high following on from Town's FA Cup upset and he feels that will be a benefit for Salop during the fixture.
“I think over the course of the season, you can’t pick many times when the players haven’t performed to the required standard,” said Sam. “As a whole this year, they have been good.
“The other night was just another tick in that box, it’s a step in the right direction. The belief is there and that’s another positive. We try to give the fans something to cheer about in every game.
“The fans are a really big part of us trying to be successful. Their backing and support through good and bad times has been excellent. It’s really important that we give them nights like the other night.
“There is nothing better than going away from home, getting the win and travelling back with the three points. We are a team that are hard to beat and you can see the signs of what we are trying to do.”