Former Shrewsbury Town striker Glynn Hurst insists Bury will suffer no hangover from the agony of missing out on automatic promotion by the narrowest possible margin.

Hurst is preparing to line up against one of his former teams in the League Two play-off semi-finals at the Prostar Stadium on Thursday and at Gigg Lane three days later.

The two clubs booked their place in the end-of-season spectacle in contrasting circumstances.

A dramatic 2-1 victory at Dagenham & Redbridge ensured Shrewsbury pipped their final day hosts to seventh position, while Bury defeated Accrington Stanley 1-0 – only to miss out on automatic promotion by one goal from Wycombe.

At one stage, Bury fans swarmed onto the pitch to celebrate automatic promotion as false rumours circulated regarding results elsewhere.

But Hurst insisted his team’s disappointment at missing out on the direct route to League One has not lingered.

“We did what we set out to do over the last three games which was to win two and drawn one,” said the 33-year-old, who will be experiencing the play-offs for the first time.

“We kept our side of the bargain and over the last six games, we are very close to the top of the form table so credit to Wycombe and Exeter for holding their positions in the top three.

“But that’s all in the past now and we are looking forward to what should be two fantastic games against Shrewsbury.

“It’s amazing for me how it’s worked out that we are playing Shrewsbury.”

Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson believes Bury’s near miss will not affect the Lancashire club in the semi-final.

“I’m sure they will be disappointed they didn’t go up but I don’t think that will be something they will lose sleep over,” he said.

“Alan Knill (Bury manager) is too experienced and they have a very good squad of players. I don’t think it will have any effect on Thursday night.”

• Thursday’s first game will be shown live on Sky Sports One, either on the mainstream channel or on the interactive red button. The return will be shown live on Sky Sports Three on Sunday.

By JAMES GARRISON