Simpson does FA Cup homework

Shrewsbury Town today began the countdown to FA Cup first round weekend – with manager Paul Simpson declaring: “We can’t take anything for granted.”

Town head to Blue Square North strugglers Blyth Spartans on Saturday (2pm) in a potentially awkward tie which captures the essence of the world famous competition.

Shrewsbury will be strong favourites to progress at Croft Park, but Simpson is determined his side approach the encounter in the right manner as they attempt to complete a successful seven days in three different competitions.

“I said that this was a big week for our football club because we had the League game on Saturday (against Luton) where we needed three points to get ourselves in those top places,” he said.

“On Tuesday, we wanted to get through to the semi-finals of our section (of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) and Saturday is a really important game.

“We can’t take anything for granted. We have got umpteen match reports on Blyth because we have had them watched to make sure we know what they are about.

“I think Saturday is a psychological thing that we have to be totally right. We have to be better than we were on Tuesday, better than we were last Saturday and if we do that I think we have got a good chance.”

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury have been given a boost ahead of the game, with news that central defender Mike Jackson has been cleared to play.

It was initially thought the booking the former Blackpool man received against Luton last Saturday was his fifth of the season.

But the FA have confirmed it was only his fourth, therefore avoiding a one-game ban for the time being at least.

“We have had the letter through for his booking on Saturday and it told us he is only on four,” added Simpson.

“We have rung to check and to confirm it and it’s right – so I’m not going to complain about that.”

By JAMES GARRISON