Bridgnorth Town are hoping Shropshire football followers will return to Crown Meadow, starting with tonight’s Midland Alliance relegation battle against Biddulph.

The plea for larger crowds comes after just 10 paying customers watched last Wednesday’s 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Studley.

The attendance was originally given as 19, but has since been adjusted downwards by club secretary Mark McIntyre.

That tied the lowest crowd in the history of the Alliance, along with a game between Wednesfield and Biddulph in April 2003.

Circumstances did conspire against Bridgnorth last week with the lure of the Carling Cup semi-final Manchester derby on television on what was a freezing night.

But chairman Eric Eagles admitted the club – currently fourth from bottom in the Alliance – requires backing from the public.

“The crowds are disappointing,” he said. “I’m sure the league position has an impact but hopefully we can get more people coming through the gate.

“Whether you are Shrewsbury, AFC Telford, Market Drayton, Shifnal or whoever, we all need support.

“That’s even more important at grassroots level because it costs us more than £200 per game – and that’s not even taking into account floodlights.

“But there are no dramatic (financial) issues on the horizon.”

Despite no playing budget, manager Andy Marlowe continues to attempt to cajole more out of his squad and is aware of the importance of tonight’s game against a side who are just two points ahead of them – but with five games in hand.

“It’s a massive game for us because every game we don’t win, the pressure builds,” he said.

“A win would give everyone a lift.”

Marlowe will resist the temptation to raid other clubs to bolster his ranks, having used – amongst others – Market Drayton goalkeeper Steve Taylor and Ludlow’s former AFC Telford United defender David Andrewartha in recent weeks.

Joint leading scorer Gareth Horler is an injury doubt for tonight while centre back Luke Brown remains suspended.

But George Williams is providing a glimmer of light on the injury front.

The defender was due to have an outing for Bridgnorth reserves last night after almost six months out with an ankle problem.

By JAMES GARRISON