Consistent defender Ben Herd has urged Shrewsbury Town fans to roar them to victory against championship-chasing Hereford United on Saturday – insisting: “Form goes out of the window in a derby game.”
Herd was delighted with the atmosphere created by the supporters in the second half of the last home game against leaders MK Dons as Town hit back to draw 3-3.
And with this weekend’s Oteley Road clash against Graham Turner’s Bulls, who are riding high in second spot in League Two, set to be watched by a crowd of more than 7,000, Herd believes the fans can again play a big part. “Form goes out of the window in a derby game because of the passion, the crowd, things like that make a big impact,” said Herd.
“You’ve got to give the crowd something to cheer about and it can really help you. That’s what happened against MK Dons as the crowd were magnificent in the second half that night.
“It really felt like the old Meadow when you could feel the fans were behind you and willing you on. It was like a cup tie and the fans played an important part so hopefully they can continue that for the Hereford game.”
Herd has extra incentive for wanting to put one over on the Bulls, this season’s surprise package in League Two, as he feels Town failed to do themselves justice when they were beaten 3-1 at Edgar Street last month.
“We need to give the fans a little bit of pride back after our performance down there to be honest,” said Herd, who is in line to face ex-Town team-mate Ben Smith, the skilful midfielder, once more.
“Since I’ve been here we’ve usually done quite well in the derbies but that game was poor. That’s not how a derby should be played.
“I was impressed by Hereford to a certain extent that day. You’ve got to give credit to the other team but I always concentrate on ourselves and it wasn’t good enough by any derby standards.
“You want to give 100 per cent and really get into their faces and make it a hard game.
“It should be an entertaining game on Saturday and they’ve got good players. They’re up near the top of the league so they’re there to be shot at.”
Herd added he was looking forward to seeing what James Constable was capable of producing as Town’s recent capture from Kidderminster looks to build on the brace he grabbed in the fightback against MK Dons.
“The gaffer always has an eye for a player and James has come in and done well,” he said. “He’s scored a few goals already so hopefully he can continue that and help propel us up the league.”
Town will be without suspended duo Dave Hibbert and Colin Murdock while skipper Ben Davies is struggling to overcome his hamstring injury.
