Shrewsbury Town defender Mal Benning insists his side must stay positive in their search for much-needed points in their survival bid, as reported by The Shropshire Star.
Salop heads into today’s fixture with league leaders Wycombe Wanderers nine points adrift of safety.
Tough Task Ahead
Following the euphoria of beating Birmingham City in new boss Gareth Ainsworth’s first match in charge, the Shrews have been left disappointed.
A home defeat to Blackpool, after Benning had given his side an early lead, was followed by last weekend’s heavy defeat at fellow relegation strugglers Cambridge United.
Benning insists his side have to look forward and focus on the task ahead.
“Last weekend was not the result we wanted, and obviously the score sheet doesn’t look good, reading 4-1, but all we can focus on is the next game.”
“We need to stay positive. Everyone knows we’re in a difficult situation at the moment, but all we can do is keep working on ourselves, working on the game plan the gaffer implements, and hopefully, we can pick up a few more results and work our way further up the table.”
Changes For The Good
Gareth Ainsworth took charge of Salop late in November following the sacking of Paul Hurst and Benning is enjoying working under the new boss.
“The change the boss has brought in has been really good. The training sessions with himself and Dobbo (Richard Dobson) have been good, they work on very fine details to the game plan they want to implement on the weekends.”
The defender insists that, despite the two setbacks, elements of what the former Wycombe Wanderers manager wants from his new side have been evident.
“On the front foot, aggressive, high tempo, so hopefully the lads can show that in the next couple of games and get the results that we need.”
Ready For League Leaders
When you’re struggling at the foot of the table and in desperate need of points, welcoming the league leaders who are unbeaten in 12 league outings would perhaps not be the first choice fixture.
Benning, however, believes positives can be drawn from the Birmingham win and there’s nothing to fear.
“Birmingham were near the top when we played them, so we’ve got nothing to fear, nothing to lose, so hopefully we can go and implement our game plan and pick up a result.”
Writer’s View
On paper, this match looks over before it has begun but Salop have beaten Birmingham recently and Ainsworth will have extra motivation against his former side.
