Derby day goal hero Tom Bradshaw has urged Shrewsbury Town’s expectant fans to be the “12th man” during the nerve-jangling run-in as promotion fever grips.

More than 1,300 Town fans roared their side on to a vital 2-0 triumph at Hereford on Saturday to send Graham Turner’s side back into the automatic promotion spots.

More bumper backings between now and the end of the season are assured – fans were queing at the ground by 9am today prompting the ticket office to open 50 minutes early – as Town search for the three victories which would guarantee their return to the third tier in English football for the first time in 14 years.

And Bradshaw has stressed what a huge part the supporters can play.

“It’s absolutely crucial because when they get behind us, it’s such a good feeling,” said Bradshaw, who scored Town’s second at Edgar Street.

“It’s almost like playing with 12 men and the following on Saturday at Hereford was brilliant.

“I looked around when I came out and saw the part of the stand I thought was for Shrewsbury.

“But I kept looking further around the ground and kept seeing our fans and I was amazed how much support we had there.”

There was a brisk trade at the ticket office today ahead of this afternoon’s vital home game with Accrington Stanley, while the 1,590 tickets available for Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham are well on the way to being snapped up.

With the final day home clash with Oxford having the potential to be a promotion decider for Shrewsbury, a massive turn-out looks assured for the May 7 showdown.

Bradshaw, meanwhile, believes preparation was the key to Saturday’s victory at Hereford as Town coped with the promotion heat – as well as soaring temperatures.

“It was a hard game and I thought we dealt with it really well,” added the forward, who doesn’t turn 19 until July. “It was very hot but we did everything well to prepare, we drank lots and had wet towels before the game and at half-time.

“The preparation for every game is spot-on and that’s credit to the staff.”