Manager Paul Simpson today urged Shrewsbury Town supporters to stay patient as their League Two promotion push gathers pace.

Town moved into second place in the table after defeating Rotherham 1-0 at the Prostar Stadium on Saturday thanks to a Grant Holt penalty.

The encounter was not a classic, and a section of the home supporters voiced their frustration in the closing minutes.

But Simpson insisted keeping the ball against the visitors’ nine men was the correct way to close out the victory.

“It wasn’t a great game of football but if teams are going to come here and try and shut up shop and make it as difficult as possible we have to be prepared to be patient,” he said.”When they went down to nine men, we were a goal up and it was a case of keeping the ball.

“There was no point sticking it in the box and sticking it on the two big centre halves’ heads and letting them win possession back.

“Luckily the players were strong enough to just ignore the booing coming from the supporters and make sure they kept the ball.”

Simpson believes Town have given themselves an excellent chance of forging a successful second half of the season.

“We are in a good position,” he added. “Unfortunately, every single game we are not going to be able to steam-roller teams.

“Rotherham are a good side. They are on 27 points in real terms.

“This, for me, was going to be a real test of character and it was maybe a bit of an education for fans as well that they have to be patient.

“We have tried to do the right things. Nobody can say the way we are this season we are a negative side.

“We are a positive side and that’s 51 goals we have got so far this season. We are second in the table so we are not doing too badly.

“We just have to make sure we all keep our heads and all stay together because if we keep going as we are, we have all got something to look forward to.

“Our fans have been absolutely magnificent this season. They have come in their numbers and they have backed us and hopefully it will get even more if we keep winning games.

“But we have got to make sure we don’t suddenly start thinking we are Real Madrid and we are going to just turn up and steam-roller teams because we are not.”