Sam Ricketts: Hard yards pay off for Shrewsbury Town defence

Shrewsbury’s three central defenders Ro-Shaun Williams, Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Aaron Pierre were at the heart of a fine defensive display to earn a shutout and 1-0 win over one of the promotion favourites and their considerable firepower.

The trio impressed in Town’s pre-season outings, particular against Premier League side Villa in a narrow 1-0 defeat, and took their commanding presence into the first day of the League One campaign.

“I thought they were strong and resilient, everything they needed to be,” said Ricketts. “They were winning the majority of heads to balls into the box, clearing the ball, it was very good.

“It’s very pleasing for them because they work extremely hard.

“Not just the three centre-halves, Omar (Beckles) and Luke (Waterfall) as well. All the centre-halves had worked extremely hard in pre-season for the battles like Portsmouth and that’s why.”

It appears Beckles will remain at the club to fight for a defensive spot. Fellow stopper Pierre is Grenada captain and could be set for periods of leave on international duty.

Waterfall is believed to be on Grimsby Town’s radar.

Ricketts added: “There are still things to strengthen and work on but I saw everything I want in a team. Hunger, desire, determination, we didn’t really move the ball well, which meant we had to defend a lot.

“But there was no lack of commitment during all of that defending. Whether it was defending a cross in the box, tackling, (opponents) running with the ball.

“We’ve got enough ability in the side to score a goal and obviously Ryan (Giles) scored it.”