Midfield general Sean McAllister has urged Shrewsbury Town to capitalise on their return to the automatic promotion spots by maintaining their unblemished record at the Greenhous Meadow.

Saturday’s battling 1-1 draw at Stevenage ensured Town emerged from a run of eight away games in the last 11 matches with a top three position in League Two.

A quickfire home double header against Southend and Hereford is now on the agenda and McAllister is keen for his side to build on their recent return of four points from testing trips to Crewe and Stevenage.

“The gaffer (Graham Turner) has mentioned it has been a really tough run of games with so many being away from home,” said McAllister, who played a key role in Matt Harrold’s second half equaliser on Saturday.

“It’s great to come through that spell in the top three and it will be nice to get back to the Meadow.

“We have had some great results there so far this season and are still unbeaten so hopefully we can take that into the next two games, get more points on the board and move up even further.

“We are in the top three but it’s not being there now that counts – it’s the end of the season and the home games are vital to that.”

McAllister admitted Town had been forced to dig deep to return from Hertfordshire with a point on Saturday. “Their small pitch does benefit them and the way they play and I can’t see them losing many games at home so I think it’s a good point,” said the former Sheffield Wednesday man.

Meanwhile, it’s a huge evening for Shrewsbury Town’s youngsters tonight as they travel to Meadow Lane to take on Notts County in the FA Youth Cup second round (7pm).

The prize for the winners is a mouth-watering home clash with Liverpool in round three.

“It’s a great incentive for us but it’s the same for Notts County as well,” said Town’s head of youth David Hughes, who took his squad on a team building day at RAF Shawbury last week.

“If we can move the ball like we are capable of then we will give ourselves a great chance.”

By JAMES GARRISON