Consistently inconsistent
As it's been a while since my last column, I felt it was only right and proper to bring you a summary of happenings at the Meadow over the Christmas period, writes our Shrews Blogger David Craig.
As usual, Salop have produced football at both ends of the spectrum. Ranging from dire to sublime, they continue to frustrate and occasionally excite. So, settle down in a comfy armchair, grab some hob-nobs and let my five match analysis commence:
BARNET 0-1.
Quite simply one of the worst games of football I have ever had the misfortune to watch. On a perishingly cold evening, Salop are absolutely appalling and lose to a poor Barnet team with only 16 fit players. Being locked in a room with Jade Goody, whilst having your arms chewed off by a rabid dog, would have been a more pleasant evening. Every Salop fan remaining in the ground at full time quite rightly boos the players and management. Shocking.
WALSALL 0-1
It gets worse. Despite playing against 10 men for almost an hour, Salop fail to produce any shots on target, concede a dreadful goal, and lose in the biscuit tin. The least said about the performance of both the players and the home stewards the better. Needless to say, the 15 minute walk back to the car surrounded by chirpy Walsall fans is a joy to behold. I reject their offers of lucky heather and clothes pegs.
DARLINGTON 2-1
Life in my sick bed takes an unexpected happy twist as Salop, somehow, win away from home. Not the most exciting match by all accounts but who cares, a much needed victory and extinguishes the nervy post Boxing day glances at the relegation zone.
STOCKPORT 4-2
This is what it's all about. This is why you turn up every week. If only all games were like this, then the world would be a better place. In complete and utter contrast to the Barnet game, Salop produce a riveting display of attacking menace that has the Riverside rocking in delight. Cookey grabs a quite stupendous hat-trick and the faith is restored in all eleven players. I even forget that Asamoah exists. The fact that we defended like muppets for a brief spell in the second half only adds to the excitement. Game of the season, no doubt.
HARTLEPOOL 1-1
Another thumbs up as we end the monkey hangers' nine-match wiinning run. Michael Symes continues to prove he may well be Peters' best signing by notching a late equalizer and Dave Edwards rampages around the pitch as if he has a firework up his bottom. Hopefully, not the last we'll see of Dave as rumours circulate that Naaaaaridge City will be stepping up their interest in the transfer window. Please don't go Davey. We love you.
So that's that. Next up for the Town is the visit of Brizzle Rovers in the Johnstone Paint Trophy semi-final, so all supermarkets best stock up on Weetabix. Salop stand just three games away from, rather hilariously, being potentially one of the first teams to play at the "New" Wembley. Wouldn't that be a hoot.
David Craig is the Shropshire Stars Shrewsbury Town blogger - reflecting on the ups and downs of life on the terraces and on the pitch.
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