Manager Paul Simpson today urged Shrewsbury Town’s “strong personalities” to come to the fore during their promotion run-in.

Town face 11 crucial games in nine weeks as they pursue a play-off or automatic promotion spot in League Two.

Last night’s results were largely encouraging for Shrewsbury with Notts County the only one of their promotion rivals to taste success.

County defeated fellow high-fliers Chesterfield 1-0, former Town man Ben Davies scoring, while Bury and Accrington Stanley – who could have closed the gap in their chase for a top seven finish with wins – had to settle for home draws against Darlington and Macclesfield respectively.

Simpson still maintains a top three finish isn’t beyond his side. But, in the wake of Saturday’s disappointing 3-0 defeat at lowly Grimsby, the Town boss is anxious to see a strength of character from his team over the coming weeks.

“We all know we have got ability but, at this stage of the season, it’s about who has got the bottle as well,” he said.

“You need strong personalities to shine through and that is what we are looking for.

“It’s still there for us if we perform to the levels we are capable of.”

Meanwhile, Shane Cansdell-Sherriff and Steve Leslie were both playing some part in this afternoon’s home reserve game against Port Vale.

Cansdell-Sherriff, who became a father for the third time with the birth of a son on Saturday, is back available after a two-game suspension.

And Simpson believes young wideman Leslie will benefit from a reserve team run-out.

“Shane has had a fortnight without playing so he needs a game,” said the Town boss.

“A bit of game time will be a big benefit to him.

“With Steve, I just want him to have a game and get back to showing what he can do.

“I just feel he has got a bit uptight in the last couple of games and it will do him good to be able to play with a bit of freedom.”

Simpson stressed both Cansdell-Sherriff and Leslie remained in his thoughts for a starting role for Saturday’s visit of League Two leaders Rochdale.

By JAMES GARRISON