In the build-up to this Saturday’s highly anticipated game against Mansfield Town, Salford City defender Liam Shephard gave his thoughts on the side’s recent upturn in form.
When asked to pinpoint what has caused such a positive shift in the Ammies’ fortunes, the Welshman highlighted that “The gaffers worked a lot on the backline” and this has led to the team “not coming unstuck as often” with players feeling “more comfortable.”
Salford come into the game with Mansfield having recorded back-to-back clean sheets in the league, with resolute performances away at Doncaster and Barrow.
The Ammies enjoyed a successful October more than doubling their league total, however, for Shephard the quality of the team means that there’s always a bitter feeling when points are dropped.
“Last month was positive but we were a bit disappointed that we didn’t get the 3 points in a few of the games, that’s just from our standards because we know how good we are.”
But we did go on a bad losing streak so it’s always nice to get back and put on an unbeaten run, hopefully we can continue that on Saturday and going forward.”
Neil Wood will be hoping star striker Matt Smith can maintain the red-hot goalscoring form that has led to the player being awarded with the League Two Player Of The Month award.
Shephard notes “Matt Smith is a great option available to us so we can change between styles of play. Playing out wide when we put a good cross in we know he’s going to attack it so for us wide men, wingers and full-backs he’s a joy.”
All the goals from an incredible month for @mattjpsmith 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ciJPe8gjba
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) November 10, 2023
After a 2022/23 season riddled with injuries, the defender is hoping for better fortunes this campaign. He added: “If I can stay fit I know that I’ll be able to help the team and that’s what I want to do, mentally I need to be fit’.”
Off the back of an injury, Shephard has put together a consistent run in the team and started last weekend against his old club Peterborough, although the defender was surprised by the negative reception he got at London Road.
“I was looking forward to it but when I was on the pitch the Peterborough supporters booed me, which surprised me.
“Hopefully when we play the replay I’ll get a goal and celebrate in front of them.”
For now, however, full focus is on the game against Mansfield the first of many sides performing well in the league that Salford will play in a tough month.
With the Stags yet to lose so far this season, this weekend’s fixture will be a tough test for a Salford side the defender believes will be challenging for playoffs or automatic promotion come April.
Salford City welcome Mansfield Town to the Peninsula Stadium this Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm.
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