By RICHARD WILLIAMS
11 April 2008
IT'S
do or die time for Wrexham against Shrewsbury at The New Meadow on Sunday.
That is midfielder Sam Aiston's verdict as Wrexham continue their battle against
relegation in the high noon showdown.
A run of six games without a win, where just two points have been gathered, has
left Wrexham with a lot to do if they are going to pull clear of trouble.
Rock bottom Wrexham are seven points away from safety and Aiston knows that
nothing more than victory will do against his former club.
"It is a massive game – a must win game," said Aiston today.
"I know everyone has been saying that about the last few matches, but it really
is must win time now.
"We have to win to give us every chance of turning it around.
"We are at the stage where if we don't win, we are more or less down if other
results go against us.
"It has been really disappointing recently, but it is a chance to get the crowd
back on side and put in a good display."
Opponents Shrewsbury, at one time challenging for a play-off berth, have slipped
down the table after failing to win any of their last 15 matches and are
currently in 18th position.
But Aiston believes the Shrews are not in danger of relegation and although he
knows the teams Wrexham have to target catching and which are in action 24 hours
earlier, he stressed the need for the Reds to focus on themselves.
"I know Shrewsbury are down there but I think they will be okay," said Aiston.
"Notts County and Dagenham, and obviously Mansfield, are the teams we are trying
to catch, but we shouldn't be worrying about other teams.
"If we don't win, it makes no difference.
"Even if we do win, we don't know what will happen.
"We can't do anything about other people's results. We have to just concentrate
on ourselves and we know we need to win."
Aiston, who played for Shrewsbury between 2000 and 2005, admits he can't wait
for Sunday's derby – Wrexham's first ever visit to The New Meadow Stadium.
But Aiston, Brian Little's first signing when he took over as manager in
November, said he wished the meeting between the arch rivals was under happier
circumstances.
"I am looking forward to the game, although I don't know if I'll be playing,"
added Aiston.
"I still live in Shrewsbury and I have a lot of happy memories from my time at
the club.
"I know loads of people going to the match and I just wish it was under nicer
circumstances. Obviously it would be nicer if we were at the other end of the
table.
"But we will have a good following and it should be a fantastic atmosphere."