Pubs set to score for Shrewsbury Town's big game
Pubs in Shrewsbury are predicting a roaring trade as football fans watch Sunday's play-off final between Shrewsbury Town and Rotherham, which is being broadcast on Sky.
For those not making the 155-mile trip to Wembley to see their side take on The Millers, the best place to be will be down their local for the 3pm kick-off.
Some will be grabbing a spot at The Charles Darwin pub at Sutton Farm.
Along with the dozens of drinkers hopeful that Town will make it through to the Champions league will be the pub's new landlords.
A regular with Town fans, the pub has been in the hands of current landlord and lady Lee and Cathy Haddock for just over a year.
And while the drinks flow, the couple will even be laying on a BBQ if the weather is right.
Cathy said: "When we took over the pub it wasn't such a popular place for supporters to come to to drink before and after the matches. But we have brought it on and now we are packed out on match days.
Atmosphere
"We now have a big following. Every Sunday we do lunches, so we will be offering them on the day but, if the weather stays good, we will be putting on a BBQ as well. They always go down really well.
"Although we have young children so we do not really have the time to be fans of the club ourselves, what with running the pub as well, we will be watching as much of the game as we can between serving everyone. There should be a great atmosphere and it will be great for trade."
Across town and close to the Montgomery Waters Meadow is the Wild Pig at Meole Brace. Always packed with home and away fans before and after the games on match day, the bar manager expects this Sunday to be no different.
Jason Price said: "We are expecting it to be very busy. We follow the club and will be showing it on Sky.
"We are going to try and push it as high as we can and can seat 80 people. As we are very close to the ground, we always attract a lot of fans before and after the game and we know that many people will be coming here to watch on the day itself. We are one of the fans favourite pubs."
The Salopian on Smithfield Road will also be showing the game. Manager Kerry Hall said she expected the bar would be full to capacity. She added: "The game will be brilliant for trade. Although a lot of people will be going to the match, we expect to be very busy and more than 100 people will come in to watch it on TV."
