Boss Paul Simpson praised Shrewsbury Town’s “outstanding” fans for playing their part in an impressive 2-1 victory over promotion rivals Dagenham & Redbridge.

Dave Hibbert, scoring for the fifth game running, and Steve Leslie were on target as Town came from behind to leapfrog their Essex rivals and jump to fifth in the League Two table.

Loan left-back Joe Skarz also caught the eye with a solid debut in a game that saw the Daggers finish with 10 men.

And, after criticising factions of Shrewsbury’s support at Burton last week, Simpson was delighted by the atmosphere at the Prostar Stadium on Saturday.

“I thought the fans were outstanding,” said the Town boss.

“They made a lot of noise and they were definitely with us.

“If I have a moan about them at times it’s only right I should praise them when they do their bit, and on Saturday they definitely did.

“I was delighted to see it through, and I thought we showed good determination and character.

“If we win football games the crowd will come. We saw that with Wembley last year when they all came out of the woodwork.

If we keep doing that, they’ll come out again and support the club. That will help us to strengthen the squad and take the club forward.”

Town also had to contend with losing right-back Dean Holden and midfielder Craig Disley to injury during the first half.

Holden suffered a suspected sciatic nerve problem, though Simpson revealed he was only taken off as a precaution and could be fit for next Saturday’s visit of Accrington Stanley.

Disley got concussion and a black eye following his clash with Abu Ogogo that forced him to be stretchered off.

Meanwhile, striker Omer Riza has left the club after coming to a settlement on his contract.

“I was going to involve him in the game on Saturday, but he decided he wanted to go immediately, so we terminated his contract on Friday afternoon,” Simpson revealed.