Bernard McNally: Where can Shrewsbury get the points they need?
A fourth successive loss has Shrewsbury with their backs to the walls as they attempt to stave off League One relegation.
Thankfully, because of their fantastic form beforehand that earned them a buffer, Paul Hurst's Town are still just one result – two points – from getting out of the mire.
With that in mind, I've taken a look at the five remaining games and where points can be won.
Rochdale (H) Draw
Keith Hill's side have had a fine season and they'll be coming to Greenhous Meadow wanting three points that'll help them bridge the current five-point gap to the play-offs.
The final five games are always tough when you have something to play for and Paul has had what he didn't want, for it to run into the final five.
Rochdale know they're catching Shrewsbury in a bad patch and will be high on confidence after Tuesday's win over Port Vale. They'll want hammer the nail in the coffin for Town.
Walsall (H) Win
Flippin' heck, football always has a way of throwing up games that you could do without.
It might be one that Shrewsbury can say 'our backs are against the wall', but it's a local derby. It's always going to be a battle against Walsall.
It'll be a game to savour for players because you want to be involved in derbies. They've got to hold no fear, if players can't play in a derby like that, they don't deserve to be there.
Northampton (A) Win
With Northampton safe from the drop with 51 points and sitting 15th, it looks like a game where Town need points – and the problem there is you can't rely on how the table looks.
You need players to go out there and make it happen. Let's face it, we're all hoping that Northampton have that end-of-season mentality that they can't wait to go on holiday, that's what I'd be wishing for. It's do-able on paper, but football isn't played on paper!
Southend (H) Defeat
This isn't a game you'd want on the penultimate weekend, Southend look good for the play-offs, currently sixth, they're not going to be complacent at all.
The Shrimpers players will be looking to try harder and get themselves in the team for any potential play-off final. They'll up their game at the Meadow.
Oxford (A) Draw
We went to Portsmouth once with West Brom having to win and thankfully we did 1-0.
The season finishes so quickly. I hope I didn't put the mockers on it by saying 'we don't want to be going there to get anything' a couple of weeks ago!
Michael Appleton's a good young coach and they're doing well having come up. It's not easy. Let's hope we're already secure.
Bernie's Verdict
Eight points takes Town to 51. That tally should – and usually does – secure survival. Let's keep everything crossed for Hurst's men.
