Shrewsbury look set for a comfortable mid-table finish, but Ian Evatt says they will still be “highly motivated” against Wanderers this weekend.

Steve Cotterill’s side are without a win in their last six league matches, having picked up just one point in that time.

The Shropshire club were beaten 2-1 by leaders Plymouth in midweek, with Callum Wright scoring a dramatic winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time for the Pilgrims.

Despite their recent form, Evatt insists Shrewsbury will be “competitive” against the Whites.

“Any team managed by Steve Cotterill will be highly motivated,” the manager explained.

“They might not necessarily have anything to play for, but I know him personally and I know he will have his team very motivated to play us here.

“We just need to focus on ourselves and what our performance looks like. If we can execute that then we have a very good chance of winning the game.”

He added: “Football seasons last a long time and there are always good spells and bad spells. 

“I don’t know too much about their situation, but I have watched a lot of their games recently and they have been very competitive. They will be again on Saturday.” 

Wanderers are currently sixth in the League One table and have a game in hand on the sides around them.

Evatt believes his players have what it takes to get over the line ahead of the first of three successive home games.

He said: “I think we were a little bit one-dimensional at times where - if we didn’t dominate the ball - we could be wobbled.

“What we have done is learn to better deal with pressure and expectancy – which there always will be at this football club, especially at this level. And just being resilient, especially away from home.

“I think the players have weathered storms well and it will happen again this season. I have a firm belief in the players that they can get us to where we want to go.”

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