Manager Paul Simpson has urged his Shrewsbury Town team to re-write the record books as they enter the pressure-filled cauldron of the play-offs tonight.

Town entertain Bury in the first leg of the League Two semi-finals as the teams which finished seventh and fourth respectively do battle.

The winner of the two-legged encounter – the second of which will be staged at Gigg Lane on Sunday – will meet either Gillingham or Rochdale in the final at Wembley on Saturday, May 23.

And Simpson is determined to ensure his side grasp their chance of glory.

“I think the history books show that every single year there have been play-offs, the better placed teams normally succeed,” he said,

“We have got to try and re-write the record books and make sure we are the team that gets through.”

Simpson has backed his players to cope with the pressures of the play-offs.

“I’m confident with the players we have got that if we play to the levels we are capable of, we are a match for anybody in this League,” he added.

“It’s all about the players performing and dealing with the expectancy, the tension that goes with it, the extra crowd and the television coverage.

“I’m confident this group can.

“We have got to deal with the first game and try and come out with a positive result.

“We want to be still involved in the tie after the first game, preferably with a little advantage for ourselves because we are at home, and then continue with the away form as well,” he added.

Town have no fresh injury concerns as they prepare for tonight, with defender Mark Jackson the only absentee with his long-standing knee injury.

Bury, meanwhile, will include former Town forward Glynn Hurst and Telford-born midfielder Elliott Bennett, on loan from Wolves, in their squad.

It will Simpson’s fourth experience of the play-offs – and he has been involved in just about every eventuality.

“I’ve had all sorts,” he added.

“I lost in the semi-final with Derby against Blackburn, I lost in the final with Derby against Leicester and I won in the final with Carlisle and with Blackpool.

“So I’ve seen all sides of it and I can honestly say the only way to do it is to win it.

“It’s a wonderful experience to win the play-offs but there is a massive disappointment for everybody if we don’t win it.”

By JAMES GARRISON