ONE thing's for sure - tonight's hosts, Shrewsbury Town, will not be low on confidence! They have a new ground to enjoy, and are still basking in the glow of a big opening day victory.

By Carl Marston

ONE thing's for sure - tonight's hosts, Shrewsbury Town, will not be low on confidence!

They have a new ground to enjoy, and are still basking in the glow of a big opening day victory.

Gary Peters' men were always going to relish playing their first-ever competitive match at the New Meadow, following their departure from Gay Meadow, which had been their home for the last 97 years.

But preparing for this historic occasion, on the back of a terrific 4-0 win at Lincoln City, was perhaps more than they could have hoped for, especially as it was their biggest away victory for six-and-a-half-years!

The league tables mean very little at this time of the year, but Shrews fans have been taking more than a passing interest in the League Two standings after one match - their team are top.

There were no goals during the first 50 minutes at Sincil Bank on Saturday, but Lincoln were then blown away by four quickfire goals.

The strike-force of Andrew Cooke (two) and Dave Hibbert contributed three of the goals, with substitute Steven Leslie adding the fourth.

Manager Peters insists that his team must not get carried away, but the former Cambridge United boss has not been slow to talk up his side.

“I've got a team of warriors, There isn't a weak link in there,” insisted Peters.

“The expectations are up, as I've not had a team as good as this before. We worked strongly as a team to keep a clean-sheet, and we weren't just going hell for leather trying to score more goals. We did a very professional job.”

The Shropshire club were beaten in the League Two play-offs last May. They defeated MK Dons in the semi-finals, but were edged out 3-1 in the final.

Peters believes that his team is even stronger this year, so promotion will again be a priority.

Tall striker Hibbert arrived over the summer from Preston, having had spells on loan at Rotherham and Bradford City last term, while fellow six-footer Cooke is now in his second season with the Shrews, following a move from Bradford.

Cooke only started 21 league games last term, due to niggling injuries, but he still netted 10 goals. The ex-Burnley and Stoke hit-man was also crowned a hero when appearing from the bench to score both goals in the 2-1 win over the Dons, in the second leg of the play-off semi-final.