Cummings and goings for Parky
SHREWSB’Y SUND’LAND 2 ........ Shots on Target .........2 2 ........Shots off Target ........ 11 2 ................Corners ................. 7 10 .................Fouls ....................9 3 ............... Offsides .................2 63.2 ..Passing Success ... 78.4 302 ...... Total Passes ........464 38.3 .......Possession ......... 61.7 45.4 . Territorial Adv%...54.6
SAM RICKETTS urged his Shrewsbury side to maintain the intensity they showed in the win over Sunderland.
Jason Cummings fired Shrewsbury to victory midway through the first half, converting a cross from Josh Laurent.
The hosts then defended well to preserve their advantage as Sunderland pushed forward for a way back into the game.
Ricketts was delighted to see the character that he has demanded from his players which helped his side come out on top.
“I asked the players for three things before the game,” said Shrewsbury manager Ricketts.
“One was character, that has to be a given, the character side of it, intensity in our game, and then desire as well.
“I thought for all of those they ticked every single box. I also asked them to measure themselves against their opponent today, their opposite number, who’s going to come out on top.
“And I looked round the dressing room at the end of our game and, to be honest, I didn’t think we had a losing player on our side.”
Ricketts has seen his side collect eight points from their four league games in October, with victory over Sunderland following Tuesday night’s home draw with Gillingham and four points from trips to Tranmere and Lincoln.
He said: “I ’m obviously delighted with the win, really pleased with that. A different game to Tuesday night, completely different.
“Tuesday night we had to break a team down, t oday we said to Sunderland to break us down and then what we do have is quality in the side that we get chances and Jason Cummings took his goal exceptionally well.”
Ricketts hailed his side’s defensive qualities as, helped by some good saves from goalkeeper Max
O’leary, they stood firm: “We’re playing against a team with some very, very good attacking players.” he added.
It proved a frustrating day for Sunderland and boss Phil Parkinson, in charge for the third time.
His side were unable to find the clinical edge that they displayed in their resounding 5-0 victory over Tranmere in midweek and Parkinson was left to rue missed opportunities.
Chris Maguire ( left) was denied by a post in the first half before Max Power’s late drive was turned on to the bar by O’leary.
“I can’t believe we haven’t got something from the game,” said Parkinson.
“We’ve dominated it for the majority of the game. We’ve hit the woodwork three times, and had crosses flashing across the face of the goal.
“With the dominance we’ve had, not just a draw, we deserved to win the game.”