The debrief: Four games to secure Shrewsbury's survival

The 3-1 defeat on the South Coast did not tell the full story of the events that unfolded against the champions-elect.

So what were the talking points from the game?

Spirited performance

It was, without doubt, a decent display from Town.

They competed well against Pompey, who were probably, by their own admission, well off the pace. It is a nice position to be in when you can be far from your best and still win 3-1.

The key moments went against Paul Hurst’s side. The penalty decision, where Carl Winchester was adjudged to have fouled Kusini Yengi was the wrong call.

But if Town can replicate that kind of performance in the next four games they will pick up points somewhere along the way.

Tough fixtures

Salop’s fixtures have given fans reason to be nervous for some time.

And it was part of the reason Paul Hurst was so annoyed by the way his team performed at Bristol Rovers.

He felt that game was an opportunity for Shrews to get some points with some incredibly challenging games coming up.

The Wycombe game is followed by a trip to Bolton.

They may not get automatic promotion, but they have certainly been competing for it for large parts of the season. And Charlton have picked up since Nathan Jones came in as boss.

Last day nerves

Leyton Orient at home awaits on the final day of the season.

But there is no chance players, coaches and fans want something to be riding on that game when it comes around.

Ideally, they can get something out of one of the next three games and make that game a ‘dead rubber’.

Wycombe

Town do have the advantage this weekend. They take on a Wycombe side that lost the EFL Trophy final in stoppage time at the end of the game to Peterborough at Wembley on Sunday.

And they have the gruelling task of taking on Derby County tonight – The Rams have got their own ambitions this season so that will be no easy task.

But in between Shrews’ game at Pompey, their next opponents will have played twice and Town do need to take advantage of that.

It feels like there is so much on this game for Town.

If they can get something they will have all but confirmed their League One status for next season.

Goal difference

Slip-ups are not ideal for Shrewsbury. They have effectively got 45 points because if anyone catches them their goal difference is so poor they will go over them.

It has been bad all season and they will not want it to be costly.