How Shrewsbury Town can secure League Two safety this weekend - even in defeat

Shrewsbury Town’s League Two safety could be officially confirmed this weekend - even if they suffer defeat.

Shrewsbury Town missed the chance to mathematically secure their Football League status with defeat at leaders Bromley in midweek.

They now head into their penultimate home game of the season against Oldham Athletic holding an 11-point cushion over the bottom two.

The situation

Victory this weekend would guarantee Salop’s safety, as the sides in the bottom two at 5pm on Saturday would no longer be able to catch them.

If Town draw or lose - they would require a 10-point advantage over two of the bottom sides to confirm survival, meaning results elsewhere would need to go in their favour.

With four games remaining after this round - and a game in hand for Barrow - Shrewsbury’s current cushion could already be enough to keep at least two of the bottom sides out of reach.

If those below them fail to pick up wins, the gap would remain too large to close in the time remaining, effectively sealing Shrewsbury’s place in League Two.

Key fixtures

There are several crucial matches in the relegation battle this weekend.

Newport County host fellow strugglers Harrogate Town in a pivotal clash, where dropped points for either side would benefit Shrewsbury.

Elsewhere, Barrow - who do have that extra game to play - travel to Barnet, while Tranmere Rovers face a difficult trip to Chesterfield.

Should results fall in their favour, the mathematical reality is that at least two of the sides below Shrewsbury could be left too far adrift to catch them - confirming Salop’s safety for another season.

The table

Shrewsbury sit 18th on 44 points, just above Cheltenham Town on 43.

Crawley Town are 20th with 37 points, followed by Tranmere Rovers on 36.

Newport County occupy 22nd place with 34 points, while Barrow have 33 points and a game in hand in 23rd.

Harrogate Town sit bottom, also on 33 points.