Manager Paul Simpson has urged Shrewsbury supporters to play their part in the promotion push as Town began a crucial home double header tonight.

Exeter are the visitors to the Prostar Stadium this evening before Notts County provide the opposition on Saturday.

Simpson admitted Town’s supporters had been let down by Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Macclesfield, the latest setback on the road.

But the Shrewsbury boss is hoping fans will get behind the team in the next two games as they chase a six point return to reignite the promotion dream.

“We are all fully aware we need to address the away form but this week it’s about two home games and doing it right in those,” he said.

“That’s all we are focussing on. The players are determined to get us promoted, the fans are, and I just ask the fans to stay with us and stay patient.

“We had an incident on Saturday where we have a young goalkeeper (Luke Daniels) who is just learning the game and he’s getting abused from his own supporters.

“That doesn’t do anybody any good.

“We understand frustrations. I’m as frustrated – and the players’ reaction tells me they’re as frustrated – as are the supporters.

“But getting onto players backs isn’t going to help anybody. I just hope they can stay with us and support us through these last 12 games.”

Simpson must decide whether to keep faith with the team beaten at Moss Rose, or shuffle his pack.

Kelvin Langmead looks set to continue at the heart of the defence after Mike Jackson was ruled out for the season yesterday, while Kevin McIntyre and Dave HIbbert are still sidelined.

But whoever is selected, Simpson is seeking a reaction from Saturday’s setback.

“Exeter is a fantastic game,” he added. “They are a really good football team and it’s going to be a tough test for us.

“But if we want to be up there competing at the top, we have to be winning these games.

“If we can get six points (from the two games), we would turn around from everyone being all down in the dumps and demanding this and that to suddenly looking at a more positive atmosphere again, and we have to try and do that.”

By JAMES GARRISON