Shrewsbury players told to add to the woe at Preston
Shrewsbury Town boss Graham Turner has challenged his players to seize on discontent at Deepdale when they make their first visit in more than 12 years on Saturday.
Lacklustre North End have not won a League One game in front of their own fans since September 29. And many of the home faithful are fast losing faith in manager Graham Westley because he favours a direct style of play.
The Lancashire side were among the pre-season promotion favourites but, after winning just one of their last 14 fixtures, they find themselves languishing down in 16th place, only four points ahead of Town.
"There can be pressure there from the supporters," said Turner.
"Preston expected a good season so it just adds to that. But it's up to us to keep the crowd quiet and we have to realise they have some good players there.
"We know a couple of them in Nicky Wroe and Shane Cansdell-Sherriff (although the defender has now signed on loan for Rochdale).
"It's still a difficult game for us and we will have to put the same level of performance in which got us a win at Coventry."
Town will be aiming to register their second double of the campaign – the other was clinched by their 1-0 success at the Ricoh Stadium on New Year's Day.
Paul Parry's stunning 20-yard drive earned Turner's men a 1-0 win when North End visited the Greenhous Meadow back in August.
"Paul's goal was a cracker and a candidate for goal of the season and it got us a good win in the second match of the season," added Turner.
"What Preston have done since doesn't concern me, but it's a big club and the challenge for us is to go there and get a good result.
"We've got some big games against Sheffield United and Tranmere coming up (in February) but generally the players have shown they've got the confidence to rise to the challenge.
"The expectations were we'd stampede Bury last weekend (0-0 draw), but they set up with a difficult formation and they are fighting for their lives.
"I anticipate Sheffied United and Doncaster will come to the Greenhous Meadow later in the month and be a bit more open with their play and that will suit us. Games against the big teams change the mindset of the players."
Meanwhile, League One leaders Tranmere have slashed admission prices for the February 15 clash with Shrewsbury at Prenton Park.
Admission at Prenton Parl is just £5 for all age groups, including home and away supporters.