League Two Preview: Shrewsbury, Wycombe and Burton vie for year-end top spot

Shrewsbury Town manager Micky Mellon is determined to retain top spot in League Two as he prepares to host second-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

A 2-0 win at Oxford United on Boxing Day saw Mellon’s men climb above Wycombe on goal difference, with this Sunday’s visitors held to a 1-1 draw at home to Luton Town.

Burton Albion join Shrewsbury and Wycombe on 43 points, but a healthy goal difference means victory would – barring a set of freak results – ensure the winner of this fixture top spot heading into 2015.

However, Mellon is well aware that there is a long way to go this season.

“We’re obviously delighted to be on top but, like I always say, we won’t get carried away,” he said. “We know that there’s an awful lot of work to be done. 

“It’s nice to be top of the league, but we’ve got a tough game against Wycombe coming up, so we have to get ourselves recovered and go out and do the business again.”

Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth agreed a new long-term contract at the club before Friday’s match, and has since said: “I’m a very proud man to be manager of Wycombe Wanderers and I’m delighted to extend my contract to remain here for the foreseeable future. 

“The people around me, including the chairman, staff and players, make my job a real privilege and I’m excited about the prospect of working with them for years to come to help take this club forward.”

A draw between the sides would open the door for Burton to go clear at the top, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side in action at Accrington Stanley this weekend.

Among the chasing pack, Luton host Portsmouth, Southend United are at home against Dagenham and Redbridge, Newport County head to Cheltenham Town, and Plymouth Argyle welcome Oxford.

Ronnie Moore is still searching for his first win as Hartlepool United boss, with the division’s basement club on a 10-match winless run in the league.

Hartlepool – five points adrift of second-bottom Tranmere Rovers – host Morecambe on Sunday, while the Merseysiders will look to prolong Northampton Town’s four-match losing streak.

York City and Carlisle United both gained ground in the bottom half of the table with wins on Friday, and meet at Brunton Park this weekend.

Elsewhere, AFC Wimbledon host Exeter City, Mansfield Town visit Bury, and Stevenage are at home against Cambridge United.