Avoiding the pain of 2007 will provide defender Kelvin Langmead with all the motivation he needs as Shrewsbury Town prepare for their date with destiny.

Langmead was part of the squad beaten by Bristol Rovers 3-1 at Wembley as their dream of reaching League One ebbed away.

But a fresh opportunity has presented itself this weekend, with Gillingham standing between Town and a place in the third tier of English football.

Langmead is determined to take his chance this time. “I remember how we all felt after that defeat and I certainly don’t want the same feeling this time,” said Town’s longest serving player.

“From the moment the final whistle went, it was a horrible time and it made for a really tough couple of weeks straight after that.

“You have all the build up and then everything goes so flat when you are beaten.

“I think the experience made me stronger as a person and we are all determined it’s going to be a different story this time.

“We have beaten them 7-0 and drawn 2-2 (this season) but those results will mean nothing. They know we are a good team and we know they are a good team and it’s about what happens on the day.”

Langmead insists victory on Saturday will be the culmination of almost five years as progress since he first arrived at the club as a striker from Preston in November 2004.

“Ever since I first came to Shrewsbury, the club has moved forward,” he added.

“We have had different managers, lots of different players and a new ground.

“But apart from last season, we have always got better and that’s something everybody should be proud of.”

By James Garrison