Shrewsbury chief Gary Peters today attempted to lift his deflated squad for the Boxing Day tussle with League Two leaders Walsall by insisting: “They’re not unbeatable.”

Town were left reeling when they paid the price for a tepid display with a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Barnet last night.

That left Shrewsbury in 13th place in League Two, although they could fall another two places depending on results from today’s remaining matches on the pre-Christmas League Two programme.

Should Walsall win at Boston this afternoon, Town would trail the Saddlers by 22 points ahead of their eagerly-anticipated trip to the Bescot Stadium (3pm).

But, despite that statistic and last night’s major disappointment, Peters still believes his side can return from the short trip down the M54 with a result to make up the ground lost with the shock Barnet defeat.

“It’s a funny division and if Barnet played like they did last night they would beat Walsall,” said the Town boss.

“I have seen Walsall play a couple of times and they have drawn against Macclesfield and Wrexham.

Pressure

“They are top of the table and have opened a bit of a gap up there, but they are not unbeatable.

“It was always going to be a pressure game and we need to go there and effect them.

“A lot of people don’t expect us to win and Walsall probably won’t expect us to win after last night.

“But we need a performance after the Barnet disappointment – and we have got an extra day to prepare than most teams.”

Peters will be hoping Derek Asamoah is fit for the trip to the near neighbours after the Ghanian was forced to pull out of last night’s clash due to his ankle injuries.

The Town boss confirmed Asamoah would have started had he overcome the problem sustained in last weekend’s home victory over Hereford.

Well over 1,000 fans are expected to back Shrewsbury at Walsall, who will welcome back defender Ian Roper and striker Martin Butler from one-game suspensions.

Town have already sold 800 tickets and visiting supporters are now able to pay on the gate.

Picture: A dejected Dave Edwards leaves the Gay Meadow pitch.

By James Garrison