Kelvin Langmead has admitted Shrewsbury Town must restore pride quickly as they bid to recover from their dramatic Dagenham demise.

After a hugely promising start to the season, Town came crashing back down to earth on Tuesday as they were beaten 5-0 at Victoria Road.

That was the first time Shrewsbury have conceded five goals under manager Paul Simpson.

And Langmead, the club’s longest serving player, has admitted a major test of character now awaits the squad as they prepare for Saturday’s visit of Chesterfield, who became the first team to defeat moneybags Notts County in League Two last night.

“Tuesday hurt and nobody likes to be involved in a game when we play like that and the result goes the way it did,” said the 24-year-old.

“There was a lot of pride lost and I wouldn’t want to feel like that too often.

“We have got a good team spirit this season, and that has got to come to the fore and shine through now.

“We are all hurting but we have to stick together.

“We have put a little bit of pressure on ourselves but we have got a game at home on Saturday and we have to get our pride back.”

Town’s early-season defensive record is also providing some cause for concern, after 11 goals were shipped in the opening four games of the campaign.

And Langmead admitted that is an area which Shrewsbury must improve on.

“As a defensive unit, we were not good enough on Tuesday,” he added.

“At the moment we are leaking goals, which generally we don’t do. We kept a lot of clean sheets last year and that is something we need to get back to doing.

“Without doubt, we will be working hard to make sure that result doesn’t happen again and we have to take our share of the blame.”

By JAMES GARRISON