Paul Simpson has urged his side to display their Football League quality as they attempt to bring the Shropshire Senior Cup back to Shrewsbury tonight.

Town suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of their local rivals when ‘last season’s’ final was played in July at the Prostar Stadium.

That is part of a miserable run for Shrewsbury in matches against non-League teams, with embarrassing FA Cup defeats at the hands of Blyth and Staines sandwiched either side of that loss to Telford.

And Simpson is anxious to reverse that trend at the New Bucks Head this evening.

“There were a lot of things said after the FA Cup defeat that will still be ringing in ears so hopefully we can go out and perform to the levels we know we are capable of,” said Town boss Simpson.

“When we have played against non-League teams recently, we have not shown we are the Football League club and I want us to do that tonight.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game. They are a good side and I’m sure it will be a decent atmosphere.

“It’s a game we want to go and win and we know what it means to the fans with the rivalry.

“I’m told the trophy has been at our club for quite a few years and then we lost it in the summer.

“Fortunately for us, we have only had a few months to wait before we have the chance to win it back again and hopefully we can take that opportunity.”

Shrewsbury, however, will make the short journey to their nearest rivals with just 14 fit senior players.

Simpson is remaining tight-lipped over the players on the injury list, but has confirmed that the trio who missed Saturday’s draw with Torquay – Jake Simpson, Jake Robinson and Lewis Neal – are still all sidelined.

Other players definitely ruled out are Craig Disley and long-term absentees Mike Jackson and Glynn Garner.

The Town boss has vowed to put out his “strongest available side” – but has confirmed he will have to call up two youngsters who played in last night’s 5-2 FA Youth Cup victory over Morecambe to complete his 16-man squad.

By JAMES GARRISON