Simpson hoping for cup reaction

Shrews boss keen to banish Spartans defeat

By Chris Galea   Last updated: 12th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Simpson hoping for cup reaction

Simpson: Seeking a response

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Paul Simpson hopes Shrewsbury Town's FA Cup defeat to Blyth Spartans last Saturday can spur them on to achieve promotion this season.

The Shrews are currently just two points adrift of League Two leaders Darlington, but were left red-faced last weekend after suffering a 3-1 loss to the Conference North outfit.

The former Preston boss told skysports.com that he is hoping last weekend will prove to be Shrewsbury's lowest point of the season.

"Well we'd like to think Saturday's defeat would spur us on for the rest of the season and that is what I am looking for from the players," stated Simpson.

"We've said all that can be said and we have been taking the flak all week that comes with a result like that.

Lowest point

"It's gone now and we can't change it, all we can do is make sure that the defeat at Blyth Spartans last weekend was the lowest point of our season.

"We take confidence from what we have done so far in the league and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and hope we can use that to keep us pushing till the end of the season."

The Shrews face a trip to high-scoring Chesterfield on Friday night and Simpson knows that the Saltergate side will prove to be tough opposition.

"We know they are a good side and Lee has got them firing at the moment after a slow start to the season, but they are going really well at the moment.

"It will be a big test for us and we are fully aware of that. We are going into it with our eyes wide open, but looking forward to the challenge."

No complaints

Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson will play his final game for the League Two side on Friday, after Championship outfit Reading refused their request to extend his stay at the Prostar Stadium.

Simpson is disappointed not to keep the youngster, but knows that is the risk managers take when signing players on short-term loan deals.

"Well he's here with us till after Friday's game, but there is always a risk when taking players on short-term loans that these things will happen.

"He's Reading's player and they want him back in their squad, so all we can do is be glad that he's done a job for us and thank them for allowing him to come here in the first place and wish him all the best.

"We now have to look elsewhere in our attempt to bring someone else in."