Shrewsbury manager Paul Simpson has set his sights on a prolonged run in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy by declaring: “Wembley can come around quickly.”
Town moved into the second round with a 2-1 victory at Exeter last night, Ben Davies ensuring the 400-mile round trip was worthwhile with a last minute winner.
And, despite shuffling his pack with four changes, Simpson was delighted to remain in the hat - and is eyeing further progress.
“It’s surprising how quick a final can come in this competition and you have to be in it to win it,” he said.”We wanted to try and get through. I wasn’t being disrespectful to Exeter or the competition with the side I put out.
“I was confident that if we went and performed we were good enough to get a result - and we have shown that. Hopefully we will get a better draw next time around and we can progress.
“And who knows, two or three games further down the line you could be a stone’s throw away from Wembley.”
Simpson was delighted with the response from his players on a night when Neil Ashton, Chris Humphrey, Steven Hindmarch and Michael Symes all made their first starts of the season.
“I thought it was a fantastic game,” he added.
“I have to say I think Exeter are the best side we have played this season over the two games.
“But we have shown real character and I thought we played well - there were some excellent performances.
“As a whole group they all pleased me - 14 of them were called upon and they all did their job.
“Luke Daniels in goal was excellent. The back four were superb, Shane Cansdell-Sherriff marshalled it very well, and Neil Ashton looked like he had never been away from the first team.
“In midfield we were better and more committed than we had been at the weekend and I thought Michael Symes and Chris Humphrey were excellent.
“It shows there are some decent players who have not been involved so far this season who, when called upon, can do a job.
“Hopefully they will stay with us and keep their heads right - and when their opportunities do come they will take them like they did last night.”
2 Comments
The journey was well worth the effort and ended up being the most enjoyable away trip of the year to date!
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Another good article. It was good to hear that those players who came in did themselves proud and have no doubt given the Manager something to think about for Saturday. The JP competition should not be taken lightly as a good cup run breeds interest from both fans and players. Winning can become a habit and whether its the league or cup then lets take every opportunity to win…its certainly a good feeling. However, lets not undersestimate Morecambe this weekend. Good Luck lads!!!
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