Paul Simpson today targeted the dual Easter success he believes will all but guarantee Shrewsbury Town’s League Two future.Town face a hectic weekend with tomorrow’s testing trip to Dagenham & Redbridge followed by Simpson’s first home game in charge against Notts County on Monday.

Shrewsbury have a nine-point buffer between themselves and the relegation spots, and manager Simpson believes a maximum return against sides below them in the table would make it difficult for the current bottom two – Wrexham and Mansfield – to overhaul the Shropshire side.

“We are nine points clear of the bottom two teams, so if we could get two wins over Easter, it would leave them probably having to win five games out of nine to catch us,” he said.

“If you look at their records they have probably only won eight or nine this season so that would be difficult for them.

“But all we want to do is concentrate on what we are doing and if we get the wins we want, I’m sure the rest will take care of itself.

“We are not looking beyond what will be a very tough game against Dagenham tomorrow.

“It’s never the easiest of places to go and I think it will be very similar to last week’s game (against Macclesfield) in terms of style.

“They had a bit of a spanking last week (4-0 to MK Dons) so hopefully we can start the game well and make sure they don’t get the chance to build up confidence.”

Despite the clash with Notts County following in quick succession, Simpson insists the hectic nature of the Bank Holiday programme will not come into his thinking with tomorrow’s team selection.

“The first game is against Dagenham so we will pick the strongest possible team to try and win the game there and then look at everything again on Sunday,” he added.

David Hunt looks likely to miss out tomorrow with a shoulder problem, although hopes remain that the midfielder may recover in time for Monday’s game.

Full-back Marc Tierney will be given every opportunity to overcome his calf problem to line up at Victoria Road tomorrow.

Colin Murdock was not part of the party heading to Essex today for an overnight stop, but new loan signing Graeme Lee goes straight into contention.

By James Garrison