Omar Beckles: We will face problems as a team
Omar Beckles says Shrewsbury’s players must accept responsibility for their set-piece failings – but stresses their experience can pull them from the mire.
Sam Ricketts’ team have been undone from dead-ball situations in back-to-back away defeats that have plummeted them back towards trouble.
Town are outside the League One drop zone on goal difference with nine games remaining, ahead of tomorrow’s visit of 13th-placed Wycombe – who are just four points better off.
Beckles has been back in the team, for the injured James Bolton, for both 2-1 defeats and insists Shrewsbury must face their woes as a group.
“At the end of the day defending set-pieces is something we do as a team, not just as defenders,” said Beckles. “It should burn everyone at the end of the day, we’re gutted to concede from set-pieces. We have to learn from it and go again.”
Despite consecutive defeats, the bottom half of the division remains tight. Town know a win can put distance between themselves and the drop zone almost eight years to the day since Wycombe – through current boss Gareth Ainsworth – scored a controversial ghost goal to snatch a point.
The defender, who has most recently played on the left of a back three, added: “Of course the table can affect you, the first thing a lot of the lads do is come in and look at the table.
“But at the end of the day, as much as you look at it, some people look at it for a little boost to feel good about themselves or not be too down.
“But we’ve got enough wise and old heads in there to say ‘look, stick together and get on with it’.
“The lads don’t get too carried away with it. A lot can change.”
Bolton could return from an ankle injury to challenge Beckles for his place in tomorrow’s Town team.
“Of course I want to be playing games, it’s unfortunate for Bolts,” continued Town’s big defender. “I hope it’s not too bad, I don’t think it’s that bad. I just hope he gets back.
“At the end of the day when we have a full squad and competition for places it only brings out the best in us.”
On the support of Town’s faithful Beckles added: “They’ve definitely had it tough but we need them to come in force and numbers.
“It’s not something we take lightly, they can really be a 12th man, players thrive off fans being loud and backing us
.”
