Delighted manager Paul Simpson has hailed the professionalism of his Shrewsbury Town squad — after watching them break into the League Two play-off positions.

A first half strike from Jake Robinson and Dave Hibbert penalty with 15 minutes remaining helped Town to a thoroughly deserved 2-0 victory at Lincoln on Saturday.

Simpson was thrilled with his team’s display and believes it provided a just reward for the way his players have approached their task this season.

“Things didn’t work out for us early on,” said Simpson.

“But over the last three or four weeks there has been a real determination and a professionalism about the way the players have trained every single day, the way they have looked after themselves and the togetherness is coming after so many changes.

“There’s a determination to be successful and a very positive feeling.

“We have all stuck together and we are having a nice little run at the moment.

“We need to keep it going. It doesn’t make everything fine – we know there are things we need to keep working on but I was chuffed to bits with the way we went about it on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, on-loan goalkeeper Steve Phillips – whose initial one-month deal expires after the Cheltenham game on Tuesday week – has revealed pre-match comments made by Lincoln had provided extra motivation for Town.

“We don’t need any more firing up because we have got a fantastic team camaraderie and everyone puts it in for everyone else.

“I thought we were outstanding all over the pitch. Any away game in any division isn’t easy and I think they fancied themselves.

“We read a bit in the programme about us having a so-called big budget and that we were only a good team because Hibbo is the main player and he’s scoring.

“I think we shoved that back in their faces a little bit.”

By JAMES GARRISON