Boss ready for riveting FA Cup tie...
WE ALL remember facing The Shrews at this stage of the competition 12 months ago, but we know that this time around we take on a side who are doing extremely well in the League and ran Chelsea all the way in the Capital One Cup recently.They are a much-changed outfit from last time and we know only too well that we are in for a tough examination today.
There is also the added spice of this being a local derby and you have all the ingredients for a riveting FA Cup tie.
We go into it, of course, on the back of two victories in a row having beaten Chesterfield here in our last game on home soil, before following that up with a tremendous 2-1 triumph at in-form Notts County seven days ago.
There were spells in that game where we had good control but also spells where we came under pressure and had to show a different side to our game.
You could see why our hosts had been on such an impressive run of form but we dealt with their threats extremely well and saw the game through to bring home a deserved and hard-earned three points.
The most encouraging thing for me now is that we have a fully fit squad to choose from and plenty of options. This competition is helping to keep everyone on their toes and I must say that, as ever, the attitude of the lads has been first-class.
There is such a fantastic spirit and togetherness amongst them and they have worked their socks off once again in preparation for this game.
DEAN SMITH