Ashton wants Town response

Shrewsbury remained in eighth place despite the weekend setback and have the chance to bounce back with next week's intriguing visit of high-flying Swindon.

And Ashton admitted it's vital the gap between Town and the high-flyers isn't allowed to open up too far.

"Saturday was disappointing because we felt we deserved to get a bit more out of the game," said the Scouser.

"We had a few chances and it's important to put them away when they come along. "But we have also only had a couple of clean sheets so far this season and that's something we want to improve on defensively.

"Everyone will have defeats during the season but it's important that we bounce back strongly from it. We have got a game at Hereford tomorrow and the gaffer may make changes for that.

"But the Swindon game on Saturday is massive and the chance to get back on track. We have got a tough run of games coming up but it's vital we get on another run.

"We need to amass points over the next few weeks so that we are in a strong position to kick on over the Christmas period."

Meanwhile, manager Gary Peters insists his side were left to rue individual errors on Saturday.

"We definitely had the better of the game," he said. "We had more possession and edged it in terms of shots.

"But there were situations at both ends of the pitch where we could have done better and that's what cost us.

"In each situation players have to ask themselves what they could have done better and that's what I will demand.

"But the encouraging thing is that it's another game when we have not been out-played. We have played 13 league matches now and not been second best in any of them."

Striker Andy Cooke's knee injury is not as serious as first feared with only tissue, rather than ligament damage, evident.

By James Garrison