Shrewsbury set for big away following at season finale in Gillingham

Shrewsbury Town are set to be backed by a large away following for their final game of the season at Gillingham.

Salop have sold out their initial allocation of tickets for the lengthy trip to Priestfield Stadium in Kent on Saturday.

It’s understood that more than 350 tickets have already been purchased by Town fans. Following the sell-out, Gillingham have now released additional tickets for travelling supporters in the Brian Moore Stand.

The clash carries added significance, with Shrewsbury facing former boss Gareth Ainsworth, who made a shock exit after just 133 days in charge at the Meadow last season.

It is a fixture Town supporters are eagerly anticipating, with many hoping their side can get one over on their former manager.

Ainsworth left Salop with nine games remaining of their League One campaign last year, with the club bottom of the table and 14 points adrift of safety.

He subsequently joined Gillingham, who have endured a difficult campaign of their own and go into the match on the back of three consecutive defeats.

In a letter to supporters at the time, chairman Roland Wycherley said: “Much to our shock and dismay - Gareth Ainsworth has informed us he wishes to leave the club after receiving an offer from a League Two club.”

He added: “Gareth made clear he wanted to leave immediately, despite acknowledging the position the club are in at this moment in time.”

Saturday’s fixture will mark the final game of the season and comes amid a revival under Gavin Cowan, who has overseen an upturn in results to lift Shrewsbury up the League Two table.

A victory would see Town, currently 19th, leapfrog Gillingham and finish 18th in the standings.