Nail-biting weekend for AFC Telford and Shrewsbury Town

Shrewsbury Town and AFC Telford United supporters were preparing today for a nail-biting weekend as play-off fever swept the county.

Both football clubs are involved in crunch games to keep promotion dreams alive.

Coaches full of Shrewsbury Town fans were today due to set off on the long trip to Torquay for a first-leg tie in one of the League Two play-off semi-finals.

Chris Smith, organiser of the Away Travel Club supporters of Shrewsbury Town FC, said he had booked three coaches for tonight's game in Devon.

He said: "The coaches will be picking up from Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Wem and Telford and will be taking about 150 people. I think everyone is looking forward to it. We came so close to automatic promotion."

Ian Venables, secretary for Shrewsbury's official supporters club, said it had organised for two big coaches to take fans to Plainmoor today.

Shrewsbury's ticket allocation for the game was 1,200, with about 700 of those snapped up by yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, dozens of good luck messages have been sent to AFC Telford's players and management ahead of the match with Guiseley at the New Bucks Head tomorrow. Telford MP David Wright and new leader of Telford & Wrekin Council Kuldip Sahota are just two who have publicly pledged their support to the club.

AFC Telford United, which is managed by Andy Sinton, will be promoted to the Blue Square Premiership if the team beats its Yorkshire rivals in the play-off final.

Labour MP Mr Wright said: "What has been collectively achieved at AFC Telford United is quite frankly remarkable.

"A return to the Conference Premier would be incredible and I want to wish the players all the best for Sunday. With the public's support I'm sure they can do it and make us proud of our club and our town."