Steven Leslie of Shrewsbury Town and Tyrone Thompson of Torquay United

Town failed take advantage when playing against ten man Torquay on Saturday and were forced to settle for a disappointing 1-1 draw, writes Shrewsbury Town blogger James Pugh.

It has been a tough week for fans, players and management following last week’s disappointing cup exit to non-league Staines.

Eyes were firmly fixed on the side to see how they would respond and there were plenty of signs that the team was still feeling the effects.

Missing key players, including Neal and Robinson, through injury, and fielding Fairhurst and Devitt, both of whom had been ill during the week, Town lacked spark, although they did create a number of chances.

Despite the disappointment of the result, Town remain in the play-off positions and are just three points from an automatic promotion spot. It was a much improved performance from the FA Cup game, but Town still look far short of their best.

If luck is on our side we will have a run of games where Simpson is able to field is strongest eleven without players picking up constant injuries.

I am far from his biggest fan and have yet to see him play consistently well for Town, but the return of Riza after a long layoff was a plus and if he can keep himself fit, he will have great opportunity to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.

A big talking point last week was the manager’s decision to send Labadie back to West Brom and make Elder and Bright available for transfer. The decision has divided many supporters’ opinions, but I for one totally back the manager’s decision.

Labadie has shown glimpses of his ability, but has failed to impress in his last few games. Elder came here with a big reputation, but has failed to live up to it, although some would argue he hasn’t started enough games. Bright has done nothing in his time at the club, even in the reserves, although again some would argue he deserves more time to settle into the area.

It is all well and good getting rid of players, but it makes January all more important for the manager to bring in quality to give our promotion hopes a real push in the second half of the season.

Next up for Town is a game with local pride at stake as we face Telford in the Shropshire Senior Cup on Tuesday.

With Town missing a few players through injury, it could well be left to the younger players to bring the trophy back to the Prostar – where it belongs!