By Stuart Dunn
Kelvin Langmead is relishing Saturday’s top of the table showdown with League Two leaders Wycombe Wanderers – but stressed the 7-0 cup victory Shrewsbury enjoyed at Adams Park in October will have no bearing this weekend.
Langmead, Town’s longest serving player, describes Saturday’s clash, which is expected to attract a bumper crowd to the Prostar Stadium, as “a massive game.”
And he knows it represents the start of a key period in Town’s season with their next four matches over the festive period all against fellow top six sides as an exciting promotion race really hots up.
“You always want to be involved in top of the table clashes,” said Langmead, excellent at the back in Tuesday’s unfortunate Johnstone’s Paint Trophy exit against Brighton. “I’ve been very pleased to play the last six or seven games and I hope that continues.
“Saturday’s a massive game and if we want to be catching Wycombe a good victory will put us a bit closer to them and that’s what we’ve got to be aiming to do. We felt we should have got something at Grimsby last weekend, but that happens.
“It’s how you bounce back and we’ve got to make sure we’re really prepared for Saturday.”
Langmead was part of the Town side who claimed a remarkable 7-0 win at Wycombe in the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in October – a match best remembered for Grant Holt’s five-goal haul – but feels that will count for nothing come 3pm on Saturday.
“That was a completely different night, a different team,” he reflected. “This is a league game and it matters a lot more than that one. It will be tough for us but we have to make sure we do it right.”
Langmead added the home fans can play a big part in roaring Town to victory against Peter Taylor’s Wycombe who are currently seven points ahead of them, having lost just one of their 20 league games this season.
“When the fans get behind you it’s magnificent so we have to make sure they do that,” he said.
“December’s always a huge month, any footballer would tell you that, and it’s important you get good results.
“If you come out of the Christmas period in the top two or three you’ve really got a chance to kick on.”
Midfielder Paul Murray, expected to return against Wycombe after being rested in midweek, added Saturday’s match was one to really look forward to.
“It’s a humongous game,” said the former QPR man. “We’re got the league leaders at home and we’ll be looking to take all three points.
“They had a few changes when we won down there but at the end of the day it’s a 7-0 defeat so they’ll be smarting at that.
“Come Saturday I don’t think there will be much to say in our changing room for motivation.
“We know we need this one, to stamp our foot down on this league and really show what we’re all about.
“We shouldn’t fear anyone – on our day we’re the best team in this league.”
Wycombe should include a familiar face in their side with goalkeeper Scott Shearer, who helped Town reach the play-off final at Wembley 18 months ago during a successful loan spell, established as their first choice.
• See page 31 of Shrewsbury Chronicle/North Shropshire Chronicle for more Town news including an interview with winger Chris Humphrey.