Sam Ricketts reflects on Town's win over Newcastle United under 21's.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club earned a win in the first game of the Salop EFL Trophy campaign.
3-0 winners over Newcastle United’s Academy ensured Town got three points on the board.
Sam Ricketts was pleased with Town’s performance against the young Magpies side and hopes to see that form carry over into the league campaign.
On the performance:
“I thought the attitude from the players was excellent. We spoke about the game and wanted to work on a few things and their performance was excellent. Three goals but it could have been more.
“Afterwards, it was learning about how to see a game out and knowing how to conserve energy later on in games. We were looking to move the ball and control the game without it becoming a basketball game.
“We scored an early goal and it could have been three or four early on. Their keeper made a great save from Barny and a few other ones as well. I was really pleased with the start and our intensity in our game. The press was really pleasing.”
“I wasn’t aware it was his first senior goal but he’s been excellent during pre-season. He has really impressed the coaching staff and myself and I thought he showed quality again tonight.
On Ollie Norburn’s return and Tom Bloxham’s debut:
“I am really pleased for him. First and foremost, family comes first before anything. We are delighted to have him back and he’s delighted to be playing football.
“To have him on the pitch for 45 minutes was good but maybe a little longer than I wanted him to be. He’s still stepping up his rehab from his injury. It’s just nice to see him back in the picture.
“Anyone who watched the game would have seen Tom’s quality. He’s 16, great size and hopefully, he’s the first of many lads coming from the academy. If you’re good enough at this club, you will get into the first-team.”