Longest-serving player Kelvin Langmead today upped the ante on Shrewsbury Town’s mammoth Easter weekend by declaring: “It will define our season.”

Town head to Bury on Good Friday before returning to the Prostar Stadium to entertain Rochdale on Bank Holiday Monday.

Both sides are currently above seventh placed Shrewsbury in the table, but Langmead feels two positive results can set Town up for a strong finish to their campaign.

“They are two tough games but two great games to look forward to and they will define our season,” said the central defender.

“There is the possibility if we can take six points that we can claw back ground on some of the teams above us and be in a position to challenge for automatic promotion in the last three games.

“Any team in the top seven will be thinking that if they can put a run together over the last five games, they can get into the top three and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be thinking the same.

Double header

“There is pressure on the games but, as players, these are the type of matches you thrive on being involved in.”

Town had the perfect fillip ahead of their vital double header last night when they were aided by yet another favourable set of results.

Chesterfield’s 1-1 draw with Lincoln meant that Shrewsbury remained in the top seven, a result which pleased Langmead.

“I was watching the scores come through last night and it was a big positive when Lincoln equalised,” he added.

“We wanted to be in the top seven on merit and not because other teams had played less games and we have reached that situation now. The key for us is that we must push on.”

* Town reserves were in action this afternoon as they entertained Lincoln at the Prostar Stadium (2pm).

By James Garrison