Here it is, the day we thought would never come when the rodents slipped into non-league obscurity and we signed you know who, but thanks largely to the latter three years on we meet our barber cap wearing neighbours from under the Severn on equal terms, well almost, we are of course top of the league and they mid-table nobodies.

Apart from when ourselves or the oh so mighty Wrexham are in town Shrewsbury is a relaxed day out pub wise, plenty wattle and daub style real ale bars dotted around the town and the area known as Abbey Forgeate near the disgusting tin shack that masquerades as a football ground

But of course tomorrow we are in town, so the air will no doubt be crackling with tension, fear not in my experience Shrewsbury fans are a well balanced bunch boasting a chip on each shoulder when in comes to the Saddlers.

So where to drink? The station is right next to the ground although an annoying little walk if you don’t fancy absailing down a grassy knoll, but there is a horrible amber painted pub called the Albion Vaults under the bridge as you exit the station, I was refused entry on my last visit so guess what? Recommended it isn’t. but I’m sure it’s lovely.

If you fancy a pint of quality Banks’s then walk about 3 minutes up the hill from the station to the Bull’s Head on Castle Gate. However, my own personal favourites are the Lion and Pheasant which is a short walk away from the ground towards the town and The Old Lion Tap which is set in a back alley off the main road again walking over the river towards the town.

Back on Abbey Forgeate the home orientated Crown is probably the closest pub to the ground. While a little further along The Dun Cow offers the best option for those arriving early in search of quality pub food with its superb traditional menu and exotic meats for anyone that can’t resist a bit of pre-match alligator or kangaroo.

Honorary mention as well to the spacious warehouse conversion called The Armoury which is on the opposite side of the town where the river loops round, but still only about half a mile from the ground. If you have the time its well worth a visit, although it’s a bit pricey when it comes to food the atmosphere is far more relaxed than most other town centre pubs on a match-day.