Defiant Shrewsbury Town today insisted their automatic promotion dream is still alive and kicking.

Town’s destiny was taken out of their own hands yesterday after their goalless draw with Accrington Stanley.

Graham Turner’s side now lie one point behind Wycombe Wanderers – who were 2-0 winners over Crewe – with two games remaining.

Any combination of results other than a Wycombe victory at Bury and Town defeat at Cheltenham on Saturday would see the race for third spot go down to the final day on May 7.

And Town are encouraged by the fact Wycombe’s next assignment comes at a Bury side who clinched promotion yesterday, but are still fighting for the League Two title.

“It’s out of our hands but Wycombe have got to go to Bury next,” said striker James Collins.

“I rate Bury and they are strong at home so hopefully they can do us a favour, even by getting a draw.

“I think the next two games are must-win for us to go up automatically and we are more than capable of doing that.”

Collins admitted Town had failed to fire on all cylinders in the first half against an Accrington side who are well placed to seal a play-off berth.

“It was a frustrating afternoon,” he admitted.

“First half, we didn’t get going and I’m not sure what was wrong with us.

“But we had strong words at half time and we came out second half played some good football and maybe could have nicked it.”

Town boss Graham Turner believes the battle for third place will still go down to the wire.

“We have to accept it’s not in our hands but it’s not over either,” said the Town boss.

“Yesterday’s results me-ans Bury could go up as champions and to do that they have to beat Wycombe on Saturday which might open up the door again for us.

“There is a disappointment in the dressing room that we didn’t play better in the first half and that we didn’t get the right result.

“But we have to take stock and keep the whole thing positive.”

By JAMES GARRISON