Wembley proves one step too far yet again for Shrewsbury Town

Posing for pictures, scarves and flags waving – there was a true party atmosphere in the build up to kick-off, writes Joe Edwards.

But while the Town faithful soaked up the sunshine, the butterflies grew.

Could the curse be lifted? Would Salop finally be able to get it right at the home of English football, after all four of their previous trips to the capital ended in defeat?

One of those agonising losses was as recently as last month – 1-0 to Lincoln in the Checkatrade Trophy final. Had you gave supporters the chance to pick one Wembley game to win, though, an overwhelming majority, if not everyone, would have picked this one – to cap off a superb season with promotion to the Championship.

Arguably the biggest game in the club’s history, the 12,000 or so travelling fans were determined to play their part in proceedings and will Paul Hurst’s charges over the line.

A massive occasion, of huge importance to all of a Town persuasion. But most important to Hurst.

This was the chance to make his and his players’ sublime work throughout the season count, and against Rotherham – the club he spent his whole playing career.

If that wasn’t huge enough, speculation around his future is rampant. Sunderland were apparently keen to secure his services as boss, before appointing Jack Ross.

Now he is the favourite for the Ipswich job.

Suited and booted as he emerged from the tunnel with his players in tow, Hurst cut a calm and collected figure, although his nerves were probably jangling.

He took a moment to hug his counterpart and former team-mate Paul Warne. After that, good friends temporarily became foes.

It did not take long for Hurst to grow tired of his suit in the Wembley heat. Before a ball was kicked, he had switched into his tried and trusted tracksuit and trainers.

Salop have shown immense character over the past year. Going from relegation favourites to high-fliers takes a fantastic amount of mental toughness, as well as physical prowess.

They were staring adversity in the face inside the first 10 minutes of this massive clash too.

Omar Beckles gave away a penalty but Dean Henderson bailed him out, punching away David Ball’s spot-kick. The Manchester United loanee made the stop look easy.

Naturally, the save was met with a huge roar from the Town end – filled with elation and relief in equal measure.

So it was not smooth sailing to being with. A fair few players seemed to have the jitters – loose touches, slipping over.

They just needed a moment to compose themselves, brief respite.

It did not come, though. Salop showed flashes of what they are about in the first half-hour but, in the main, it was one-way traffic.

The Millers were playing the ball around nicely, controlling the pace of the game. They were having fun and Town were frustrated, Shaun Whalley and James Bolton both getting booked, and it was not surprising to see Rotherham take the lead through Richard Wood’s bullet header. In fairness, they deserved it.

Town were grateful to be going into the break just a goal down as they were undoubtedly second best in the first 45 minutes.

The Salop supporters were slightly subdued as the game got back under way, keeping their fingers crossed for a swift improvement

Flags were still being waved, balloons still being launched into the air – but not quite as vigorously.

They got louder as Hurst made his first switch, taking off midfielder Bryn Morris for striker Stefan Payne, and absolutely erupted as Town equalised through some exquisite play.

A routine straight from the training ground unlocked the door, Alex Rodman the man keeping his cool to find the net.

As the temperature rose, a lot of Salop fans took up the opportunity to top up their tans as they jumped around – many blokes taking their shirts off, and waving them around above their heads too.

Rodman’s goal got them going again, before their hearts where in their mouths as Caolan Lavery raced towards goal and, fortunately, fluffed his lines. So did Michael Smith soon after.

The final few minutes of the normal 90 were frantic, to say the least. Both teams were really going for it, bypassing each other’s midfield, with the Millers looking a little more likely to prevent the game from going to extra-time.

They would have done had it not been for a stunning save from Henderson.

Another bail-biting half an hour then, and maybe even the dreaded penalties.

Town were looking for adrenalin to see them through, after such an energy-sapping 90 minutes in humid conditions.

Williams being fouled by a tired Whalley allowed both teams to have a much-needed water break. Both sets of fans tried to rally on their troops, and it was the Rotherham faithful who got the desired response.

It was their leader, Wood, who was the fox in the box once more, beating Lenell John-Lewis to the punch, getting an all-important toe on the ball as it grazed the post on its way in.

Again, on the balance of play, it was merited. Salop were not being dominated as much as they were in the first half, but the Millers were still better.

When the final whistle was blown, nobody could really argue the result.

A fair few Town fans made their way to the exits before it finished, while most stayed to applaud the efforts of the distraught players.

There is no taking away that it has been a remarkable season. Nobody thought Salop would get this far, and they deserve vast amounts of credit for upsetting the odds.

It is just a shame they could not see the job through. More Wembley heartache.