Ricketts happy to frustrate Rotherham as Shrewsbury earn draw

Posted Sunday, September 22, 2019 by PA

Shrewsbury boss Sam Ricketts felt his side carried out his gameplan perfectly in their 0-0 draw at Rotherham.

The visitors largely looked to break on the Millers and ate up plenty of time as they nabbed a point to stay above Rotherham in the table.

Ricketts said: “It’s a good point. It was an excellent team performance.

“We had a gameplan which was very evident as the game went on. We frustrated Rotherham into shooting from longer (range).

“I think our goalkeeper had one save to make. We were there to break and cause problems. There was only one save of note, which sums up the level of performance from the players.

“I thought it was a top performance from the players to come away against a side who were in the Championship last year.

“We got in three or four unbelievable situations on the break. We just couldn’t capitalise on it and make the point three points, which our defending certainly deserved.

“Regardless of the personnel, what you’re seeing is a resilience and a work ethic. I am pleased with the point, although we wanted three and on another day we could have got all three.”

Rotherham manager Paul Warne was disappointed his side failed to produce the quality to make the breakthrough.

Carlton Morris had the game’s best chance but the Norwich loanee, against the team where he spent the 2017-18 season, fired wide from close range to ensure the stalemate.

Warne said his side need to find a way through teams happy to come for a point.

He said: “We’ve got to get used to it. They’re above us in the league but they were happy to take a point.

“Collectively as staff, players and fans we are going to have to get better at it because we get frustrated and make rash decisions on the ball.

“Every time we got it, they got everyone behind the ball and we found it difficult to break them down.

“It’s their prerogative but you need to have a bit of brilliance. We didn’t have that spark.

“I can’t knock the lads’ efforts. They’re down in the dumps.

“Our best chance fell to Carlton six or seven yards out and you would fancy him to score there.

“It’s so frustrating. It’s hard to get the fans engaged and I understand why because they’re not witnessing 50 shots on target.

“The good thing is we haven’t lost to a team above us in the table. But if we’re going to have a successful season we need to start creating more chances and taking them.”