Play-off fever swept across Shrewsbury today as thousands of tickets for the club’s crunch match were sold and fans starting to plan their journey to Wembley.

Special trains have been laid on and are ready to carry hundreds of people to the capital for the match against Gillingham.

And up to 100 coaches will be taking fans from the county and beyond down to the national stadium for the game on May 23. If the team wins the Wembley showdown it will mean promotion to League One.

The Town secured a place in the final by beating Bury on penalties after two semi-final legs which saw fans going agony and ecstacy.

Rail company Wrexham & Shropshire today said it was putting on its longest trains, with two capable of carrying 500 passengers each, travelling to Wembley on the day.

Details of the trip have not been finalised but the trains will pick up at Shrewsbury and Telford Central Station before running direct to Wembley.

A fare of £40 return will apply on these trains, with children travelling half price, and seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Chris Smith, Shrewsbury Town away travel club organiser, said demand was expected to be high for club coaches.

He said: “We had a fantastic day out last time in our well organised and stewarded fleet of coaches. We travel down leisurely with comfort stops en-route, both ways, and revel in the excitement of the day with all the scarves, banners and colourful wigs. It’s an unmissable occasion.

“We expect a very high demand again after our organisational success of 2007.”

Coaches will pick up in Shrewsbury, Wem, Oswestry and Telford between 7.45am and 8.15am.

Tickets are priced at £23 for adults and £18 for juniors and OAPs.

For details about the exact pick-up points and how to get tickets call Mr Smith on (01952) 604742 or e-mail shrewsawaytravel@hot mail.com

By John Kirk