Shrewsbury Town’s buoyant players have been urged not to rest on their laurels after bursting to the brink of the League Two automatic promotion spots.

Town find themselves fourth in the table after back-to-back away wins were completed with Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Chesterfield, Dave Hibbert grabbing his 12th goal of the season and his third in as many games to seal a priceless victory.

Shrewsbury are almost certain to slip from that position once their fellow high-flyers play their games in hand.

But manager Paul Simpson – who has reached an agreement with Tottenham to extend the loan of goalkeeper David Button for a further month – is delighted his side have begun 2010 with fresh momentum to their campaign.

Of his team’s fourth place, Simpson said: “It’s not bad considering we are having a shocking time!

“I’m pleased with that but there is a long, long way to go.

“We have to make sure we keep the same attitude and determination and make sure the players remain focussed and sure of what we are asking of them.

“The reaction that all the players got at home against Macclesfield – everyone was very disappointed with it.

“It’s now a case of we will stick together inside the changing room and stick together as staff and players.

“Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite go your way sometimes but we all know how hard we are working.”

Simpson hailed his side’s defensive display on Saturday as their best of the season.

And he conceded he could have few complaints over a red card for Dean Holden – for a professional foul – which left Town having to play the final 30 minutes with 10 men.

“It was probably one of the most certain red cards you can ever see so we have to accept it,” added Simpson.

“But the big thing out of Saturday was the way we defended.

“I thought the two centre halves were excellent and it was probably as well as they had defended all season.”