Shrewsbury Town v Fleetwood preview: It’s time to find consistency – Luke Waterfall

Town put in Jekyll and Hyde away performances over the festive period as a limp defeat at Accrington Stanley was followed by a rousing display at Sunderland.

It continued the theme of an inconsistent season. Former boss John Askey was sacked because he could bring not consistency to the table.

Now Sam Ricketts knows the task ahead – to motivate and organise his players to show their quality on a regular basis.

Victory over another inconsistent side, Fleetwood, at Montgomery Waters Meadow today would mean two wins, two draws and two defeats from his first six leagues games.

Given the run of fixtures, that’s a good start.

Defender Waterfall was pleased to play a crucial role in the 1-1 draw at Sunderland. His first-half header sent Salop into an unlikely lead before the hosts equalised on the stroke of half-time.

Aside from one chink in the armour, Shrewsbury showed their true colours against the Black Cats, rather than wilt as they did at Accrington.

“There was a hell of a lot to improve on. We were bitterly disappointed with our performance against Accrington Stanley on Boxing Day,” admitted the powerful centre-half, who scored his fourth goal of the season.

“We knew we had to give a lot more than we gave. Everybody could see that we did that (at Sunderland).

“But it can’t be one of those where you pick and choose when to turn it on, the league’s not like that. It’s unforgiving.

“You give half a chance away and it’s a goal, we need to be at it every week and hopefully we will be.”

Waterfall stressed that Town must prove to critics they can show their best side in less glamorous settings and not just when the big arenas call.

But today’s visit of the Cod Army, placed 11th in League One after their 5-2 home thumping from Portsmouth on Saturday, is a chance for Ricketts’ side to improve their encouraging home form.

Shrews are five unbeaten at home in the league (four wins), the eighth best in the division.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re going. If you’re going to be a successful team then you’ve got to go to places like Accrington (and win),” the defender added.

“All of a sudden we fancy it because it’s at Sunderland, it can’t be like that. The promotion-winning sides go there and get three points.

“We need to turn into that side.”

Town certainly showed at the Stadium of Light they have the desired grit and resoluteness to keep quality opposition out.

“It’s pleasing to have a Granty, Norbs, Greg, Bolts, lads throwing their bodies in the way. It helps me and Sads out a lot,” Waterfall said.

“More importantly it was a good team performance. Everyone working and digging in, covering each other.”

Waterfall revealed that he and sports therapist Gregg Jones have a pre-game routine in place to help keep out opposition.

“I always prefer a clean sheet. I have a laugh with Greg, one of the physios, he gives me a ‘clean sheet rub’ before a game,” he smiled.

“It’s an ongoing joke between me and him, we always want one but it’s not always possible. The better factor is the points.

“They’ve got good players going forward, Paddy Madden, Ched Evans, Ash Hunter. We’ll work on them and look forward to it.”

Likely line-up:

Shrewsbury Town (4-4-2 diamond):

Arnold; Bolton, Waterfall, Sadler (c), Haynes; Grant, Norburn, Docherty, Laurent; John-Lewis, Okenabirhie.

Subs: Beckles, Sears, Gilliead, Eisa, Angol, Amadi-Holloway, Coleman (gk)