Matt Richards backs Shrewsbury Town to discover goal touch
Skipper Matt Richards has backed Shrewsbury Town to show the clinical edge in front of goal to earn full reward for their enterprising displays.
Town have made an impressive start to life in League One and have not tasted defeat since the opening-day setback at Sheffield United.
The solid five-point return from the opening four games is tinged with some frustration, with chances going begging against the Blades and in the 1-1 draws with Tranmere and Stevenage.
But Richards is confident chances will be taken in the coming weeks to convert performances into victories.
“It’s been a little bit frustrating because I think we have been the better team in all four games and could possibly have had maximum points,” said the midfielder.
“We have put in some good performances and haven’t quite finished off a couple of teams. But it’s been encouraging and we have shown we can compete at the right end of the table in this league.
“We’ve been unfortunate a couple of times, hitting the post and the ball has not quite fallen for us.
“The goals will come soon. We have got some great attacking players.
“I would worry if we weren’t creating chances but the way we pass the ball and move it is very good.”
Richards has also taken heart from how quickly the renowned team spirit from last season has been re-created, despite a summer of widespread change.
“There have been 10 new players come in and sometimes it takes a while to gel but it has happened so quickly,” he added.
“Everyone was closely knitted within two weeks of pre-season and on the pitch it looks as though we have been together for a long time and have hardly any new players.
“Last season there was a great team spirit which got us through and this year will be the same.
“There is good banter and everyone is together, which is brilliant. You need that in a football team to do well.”
Meanwhile, boss Graham Turner has hailed the progress of young goalkeeper Callum Burton, who is back with Shrewsbury after appearing for England Under-17s at the St George’s Park International Tournament.
“It was a great experience for him especially with the set-up of going to St George’s Park and all that goes with that. He’s doing extremely well.”