Manager Paul Simpson has urged Shrewsbury Town to make the Prostar Stadium a fortress during the promotion run-in – starting with tomorrow’s clash with Bournemouth.

Town play seven of their 13 remaining games on home territory, with Simpson eyeing as close to a maximum 21 points as possible.

The Town boss maintains that automatic promotion isn’t out of reach for his side, although is aware his side must hit a long streak of victories over the closing weeks of the campaign.

“I’ve said we need nine or 10 wins out of the 13,” said the Town boss.

“We have got seven at home and if we can win all of them, it would go a long way towards getting those nine or 10.

“For the first three-quarters of last season, the home form was excellent.

“This season, we have not done as well but we need to make this a really difficult place for everyone to come to over the last seven games.”

Bournemouth arrive in Shropshire in second place in the table, despite having a transfer embargo which has restricted them to three loan signings since last February – all of which have had to be approved by the Football League.

But Town – who were unfortunate to be beaten at Bournemouth 1-0 at the start of December – can trim the gap between the two clubs to five points with a victory.

“Bournemouth have shown all season they are a good side but we have too,” added Simpson. “We are confident that if we can play to the levels we are capable of, we can get a result.”

Simpson will be forced in to one chance in his starting line-up, with Shane Cansdell-Sherriff beginning a two-match suspension. The Australian, still waiting for the birth of his third child, also picked up a dead leg against Rotherham on Monday.

Midfielder Craig Disley will also begin a lengthy absence after breaking his ankle at the Don Valley Stadium.

By JAMES GARRISON