Shrewsbury midfielder Kevin McIntyre has backed Grant Holt to provide the perfect riposte to his penalty setback – by scoring the winner in Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown with Wycombe.

Holt missed the decisive spot-kick as Town bowed out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on penalties to League One Brighton last night.

The southern area semi-final had finished goalless at the Prostar Stadium, sending the tie straight to a shoot-out.

The first nine penalties were clinically dispatched, but Holt – who had previously scored all six of his spot-kicks for Shrewsbury – missed the chance to take it into sudden death when his final penalty was saved by Brighton goalkeeper John Sullivan.

McIntyre, however, has no doubts that Shrewsbury’s 18-goal leading scorer will bounce back from the disappointment immediately.

“Grant’s goals have got us where we are in the League so you just have to give him a pat on the back,” said McIntyre.

“He will be right and he will probably go and get us the winner on Saturday knowing Holty.

“It’s a bit disappointing but we have to kick on now and get ready for a massive game on Saturday against Wycombe.”

Manager Paul Simpson felt his side could take heart from their showing against higher graded opposition.

“It’s disappointing to go out but I’m not going to get all dramatic about it,” said Simpson.

“We know before the game it’s 90 minutes and penalties so there are no complaints about the way we have gone out. We just have to deal with it.

“It was one of those nights where we came up against a resolute defence and a goalkeeper who was brave and positive and had an excellent night for them.

“I thought first half we probably just shaded it. Second half I thought they caused us problems with the way they broke with pace, and it shows what is needed at the next level.

“We definitely deserved to stay involved in the game and go to penalties.”

Town reserves entertain Walsall tonight at 7pm.

By JAMES GARRISON