The Silkmen were narrowly beaten by Shrewsbury at the Moss Rose and we caught up with Gary Simpson after the match.

It was a bit of a smash and grab, did you think we deserved something?

"We had plenty of possession, played a lot of balls into the box and one or two great efforts in the first half but in the second they just sat back and tried to hit us on the break.

"We were playing against some very experienced players and they sat back, won headers and and did well to keep holding us out.

"We know we have players who will weigh in with a couple of goals here and there and it's a team game. Everyone has to try and score and everyone has to try and defend. We could have done a bit better with their goal, but other than that and when they hit the bar, we defended well and they didn't have many chances."

Is it disappointing after all the early season optimism?

"I don't think so, the fans were great again today and kept behind us all the way and that's what young lads like these need. We've brought Tyrone in from non-League and Vinny hasn't even been 18 very long, and came in on Tuesday and did very well and deserved a bit more luck today.

"To be honest, when I look at the two squads out there today, I don't think I would swap any of my players for any of theirs on that showing. I don't have any complaints and had we not conceded the goal so early it would have been a different game. They are all trying hard and working hard and I think the supporters appreciate that."

Might you shuffle the pack again for Accrington?

"Bris came off with a nasty cut to his eye and a bit of concussion so we might have to have a look at that, and I know Accrington play five in the middle, so I might need to see how to face up to that one, but we've got a reserve game this week so I can have a look at one or two. You try and pick a team for each game."