All to play for, says Simpson
Friday 8th May 2009, 1:00PM BST.
Defiant Shrewsbury Town today insisted their promotion dream was alive and kicking as they begin preparations for a recovery mission at Bury.
Town suffered a 1-0 home defeat to the Shakers in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals at a vibrant Prostar Stadium last night.
The manner of defeat was crushing for the hosts, with Neil Ashton’s 80th minute own goal coming following a mix-up with goalkeeper Luke Daniels.
But Town reconvened for training today confident they can turn the tie around at Gigg Lane on Sunday lunchtime.
“The game is not over,” said manager Paul Simpson. “There is a hell of a lot still to play for.
“Now we are in a situation where Bury have got something to lose and we all know what’s happened over recent weeks when somebody has got something to lose.
“We have shown we can create enough chances and we will be positive on Sunday.
“I think Bury knew last night they had been in a game and my players knew they had been in a game – it will be the same on Sunday.
“We will go there with the same determination and spirit we showed last night and over the last few months and who knows what will happen?
“It’s there for us – the players have shown before they can come back when people have doubted them.
“And who knows what Bury are thinking? They have obviously got the advantage but they have now got something to lose at home.”
Those sentiments were echoed by leading scorer Grant Holt.
“We were happy with the way we performed – we had some good chances and their goalkeeper pulled off some great saves,” he said.
“We look to Sunday now and spirits are high.
“There is no way in the world, we think the tie is over. There was pressure on us to win at Dagenham last week and here we go again.
“Even if we won last night, we knew the game was still alive. We have got enough to go and do it.”
The one scare for Shrewsbury was a hamstring problem for winger Chris Humphrey which forced him off at half-time.
He now faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s second leg.
By JAMES GARRISON
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We have a fantastic chance, I think we are better off going there having to chase the game, when we equalise confidence will be sky high and we will have the momentum. Bury will be expecting us to throw the kitchen sink at them which will put them on the defensive. Had we gone there to protect a slender lead we would have found it very difficult to hang on the whole match while Bury chuck it at us. Town got rid of the nerves and apprehension. last night. There is no ifs or buts no uncertainty they gotta go for it, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They have the quality and self belief. (they did it in style at Dagenham because there was nothing for a draw it was winner takes all). Bury can’t afford to be adventurous they have to think about protecting their advantage.Its gonna be one hell of a match.
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It is unlikely that Bury will sit on their one goal lead, they were were very positive from the start at Prostar but noticeably less effective in the second half. Town need to keep it tight early on and step it up later in the game. I can see this one going to penalties, I hope PS has made contingency plans.
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