Shrewsbury Town vs Rotherham: Five keys to making the Championship

Give the fans something to get excited about

Town started last month’s Checkatrade Trophy final reasonably well, going close on a couple of occasions.

But Paul Hurst’s side failed to build on a decent start and Lincoln seized the initiative, allowing their sizeable crowd to take hold of the atmosphere.

Rotherham will not have near the 30,000 fans that followed Lincoln and, if Town can get a foothold early on, the boisterous blue and amber following can really make a difference and boost Hurst’s men to success.

Building on last time out...

It was not the greatest experience, losing for a fourth time out of four at the national stadium, but Hurst and his Town players know it will serve them well this time around.

One of Hurst’s views that day, fresh from a disappointing 90 minutes, was that it may bode well.

There will not be that unfamiliarity this time, the players should not be awe-struck, they should be more comfortable in the surroundings.

It was not pleasant for the Town players watching Lincoln lift the trophy – but it should serve them well.

One particular Millers tactic

Will Vaulks is one of Rotherham’s main men for a number of reasons.

The midfielder landed the player of the season award not purely on the back of his long throws – but they are, without doubt, a dangerous weapon in the Millers’ armoury.

The Liverpudlian former Tranmere youngster also has some strike on him and has netted eight times this season, including one in the play-off semi-finals.

Town must be big, strong and organised from the throws with several aerial threats.

Play their own game

Lincoln, and their big frontman Matt Rhead in particular, roughed Town up last time out.

It drew Shrewsbury into a game that was not their forte or their style.

Hurst’s men, contrary to some thinking they are overly-physical or enjoy lumping it forward, are at their best when they zip the ball around with pace and movement.

The tactical face-off with Rotherham will be interesting.

Both sides are similar in that they are fit as butchers’ dogs and the style will be intense. Town need to remember their style.

Keep their discipline

Hurst was amazed to find out Robert Jones, who sent off Abu Ogogo in November’s clash at Rotherham, will take charge.

Mr Jones will hope to stay out of the headlines this time, but Town are required to keep focused and remain calm no matter the decisions called by officials.

To their credit, Shrews kept going last month despite poor decisions from ref Gavin Ward, but it is unwise to get het up no matter the decision from officials.

If Town bring their A-game, focus on what they control, they will do well tomorrow.