Simpson: “We have to improve”

Paul Simpson directs his players

Manager Paul Simpson has slammed Shrewsbury Town’s “pathetic” defending in the derby defeat to Hereford and warned: “If we want to achieve anything, we have got to improve.”

Town’s four match unbeaten League run came to an end with last night’s 2-1 defeat at Edgar Street – but Town have now won just one of their last eight.

And Simpson has admitted Town can’t dwell on the latest setback.

“We know we have drawn too many games,” said the Shrewsbury boss.

“We know we would rather have won more games but we can moan and complain and sulk and stamp feet as much as we like.

“This is where we are at – if we want to achieve anything we have got to improve.”

Shrewsbury’s hopes of chalking up an important victory were all but over in 30 minutes last night as Hereford stormed 2-0 ahead.

Waide Fairhurst pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time but they couldn’t force a second half equaliser.

And that left Simpson to reflect on a disappointing start defensively as the search for a first clean sheet since the end of September continued.

“To be a good side, you have to be able to start games properly and we didn’t do that,” he added.

“I think we did enough to get back into it but they were two shocking goals we gave away.

“The goals are pathetic defending and we are talking about an experienced back four.

“We are talking about players like (Dean) Holden who has played hundreds of games, (Graham) Coughlan who has played hundreds of games, (Kelvin) Langmead has played a whole host of games, the same with Shane Cansdell-Sherriff.

“Kevin McIntyre, who is playing that left hand side of midfield, he has played hundreds of games.

“They are players you would expect to start games properly. The fact we can’t keep clean sheets is a major worry.”

By JAMES GARRISON