Graham Coughlan of Shrewsbury Town walks on the turf at Wembley Stadium

Shrewsbury Town were today hoping to make Wembley their field of dreams as more than 20,000 fans from across Shropshire descended on the capital for one of the biggest games in the club’s history.

Town face a winner-takes-all clash with Gillingham for the right to do battle with the likes of Leeds, Charlton, Southampton and Norwich in League One next term.

And manager Paul Simpson and Town’s players got a taste of what to expect this afternoon by visiting Wembley yesterday.

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Speaking from under the famous arch, Simpson said: “It is a terrific stadium and it’s the type of place you get the wow factor at.

“That is the reason we have come today, to help get the wow factor part out of the way.

“It’s the type of stadium you build your dreams on and the playing surface is wonderful.”

Simpson’s side will be hoping to draw on the memories of the stunning 7-0 triumph over the Gills at the Prostar Stadium in September, and the vital fightback from two goals down with 12 minutes to go in Kent to rescue a point in the return.

They have also been boosted by a series of brilliant victories in must-win encounters on the road in recent weeks – at Rotherham, Dagenham and, most memorably, Bury in the second leg of the League Two play-off semi-final.

More than 60,000 supporters from the two clubs are heading for the national stadium in London for a game which kicks off a spectacular weekend of play-off action.

“We have had a good preparation and the players are all very focussed. We all know what is at stake,” added theTown boss.”

Shrewsbury’s players have been finalising their preparations at a Hertfordshire hotel since travelling south on Thursday afternoon.

And they will be hoping to have etched their name in the Shrewsbury Town history books come 5pm this afternoon and spark jubilant scenes of celebration for the Salop Army.

By JAMES GARRISON