Peters says no to mind games
Shrewsbury chief Gary Peters will not become embroiled in any "battle of the mind games" - after MK Dons manager Martin Allen claimed long throw specialist Jude Stirling is ruled out of tomorrow's play-off decider. Shrewsbury chief Gary Peters will not become embroiled in any "battle of the mind games" - after MK Dons manager Martin Allen claimed long throw specialist Jude Stirling is ruled out of tomorrow's play-off decider. As the tension continues to build ahead of the crunch clash to decide which club is destined for Wembley on Saturday week, Allen has suggested six of his squad members will be ruled out of the National Hockey Stadium tussle. Clive Platt, who has scored 18 goals this season, looks likely to remain on the sidelines with a calf strain while Allen has insisted that Gary Smith, Aaron Wilbraham, Paul Mitchell and Jamie Smith will all miss out. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Clive Platt, who has scored 18 goals this season, looks likely to remain on the sidelines with a calf strain while Allen has insisted that Gary Smith, Aaron Wilbraham, Paul Mitchell and Jamie Smith will all miss out.
But it is the potential absence of Stirling, who Allen insists is also a definite non-starter with a groin problem, which will be the most likely talking point amongst Shrewsbury supporters.
The 23-year-old was dubbed Dons' "most dangerous player by a mile" by Peters on Monday after hurling more than 20 of his notorious throws into the Town penalty area.
Shrewsbury's defence largely remained firm against that challenge - but there is little doubt they would be relieved to see that weapon withdrawn from the Dons armoury for the second leg.
Peters, however, is refusing to contemplate Dons' potential line-up until he sees the team-sheet tomorrow.
"I don't think about what he (Martin Allen) says and I don't want to get involved in anything like that," said the Town boss.
"We are just going down there to play a game of football. Mind games are for people at the top so I'll leave that to the likes of Jose (Mourinho) and Sir Alex (Ferguson)."
Peters remains acutely aware of the stern challenge facing his side tomorrow - but is aware a memorable promotion is now firmly within his side's reach.
"Before the Grimsby game we were four games from going up and we have whittled that down," he added.
"If someone had said at the start of the season you need to win your last two games to go to the division above, it doesn't seem such a monumental task.
"It will still be very tough but a win and a draw might be enough. We are looking forward to it."
Town, who look likely to be without Ben Herd, Richard Hope and Dave Edwards tomorrow, will play in front of a capacity crowd of around 9,000 tomorrow with the sold out signs going up in the both the home and away ends.
By James Garrison