Manager Paul Simpson has urged Shrewsbury Town to “be brave on the ball” as they attempt to arrest their slide in tomorrow’s must-win showdown with Darlington.

League Two’s bottom club arrive at the Prostar Stadium with Town themselves on the back of three straight League defeats – all without a goal – in what has become their worst run of the season.

And they will be desperate to end that sequence against a side which has won just four League games all season, including a 2-1 victory over Shrewsbury in October.

“We have got to be brave when we get on the ball and we have to get back to creating opportunities,” said the Town boss.

“We have shown over parts of the season we are good enough.

“It hasn’t happened over the last three games, for whatever reason.

“We had a fantastic January and February and, up to this date, we have had a shocking March.

“It’s vital we end March with three points and that will mean we are still involved in it.”

Simpson made the long trip to the north east to take in managerless Darlington’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aldershot on Tuesday.

“They fought for their lives in that game and I’m expecting the same off them tomorrow,” he added.

Simpson has promised changes to the line-up after his side were soundly beaten at Aldershot last weekend.

Leading scorer Dave Hibbert remains on course to start after missing the last fortnight with a groin problem.

And the return of Shane Cansdell-Sherriff from suspension leaves the Town boss with an intriguing defensive decision.

He must leave out one of Cansdell-Sherriff, Dean Holden, Kelvin Langmead, Graham Coughlan and Joe Skarz.

The only definite absentee is midfielder Craig Disley, while young winger Jon Taylor faces a three-week absence after suffering an ankle injury in the Midland Youth Cup victory over Port Vale earlier this week.

By JAMES GARRISON