Shrewsbury Town

Gaffer reflects on Dale defeat

Shrewsbury Town Manager Paul Hurst was left frustrated after Town succumbed to a second defeat in a week at the hands of Rochdale

In a game where Town created a number of chances, Dale struck first within the first five minutes and duly doubled their lead before half-time with a controversial goal.

Town battled hard and got one back with five minutes to play through Ivan Toney, but Hurst was left fuming as another decision appeared to cost down dear.

“It is absolute incompetence,” Paul told the Press.

“It’s not even close to being onside. I’m annoyed at ourselves again for the first goal, because we spoke about how well they pressed, but at one you are always in it and at two it becomes more difficult.

“They say it’s alright, but this is people’s livelihoods at stake. There are three reasons why it could have been not given and he’s chosen to ignore all of them.”


Town started brightly with Shaun Whalley going close, but Town’s defensive problems once again raised their heads as they failed to cope with Rochdale’s high pressing game, something which disappointed Paul.

“Within that first five minutes nearly everything we’ve spoken about, strengths and weaknesses, came to the fore,” said Paul.

“We could have gone one-nil up, but it was a good save by Conrad Logan and then at the other end we are trying to play in an area we don’t need to, particularly so early in the game.

“We’ve got to learn to be a bit uglier. Every pass and everything you are doing in the game doesn’t have to look good on the eye. It’s about doing things professionally and sometimes that’s about kicking it in the stand.”


Town had plenty of chances of their own, but couldn’t make them count and Paul was left exasperated by Town’s lack of luck.

“Rochdale have got a two goal advantage so they don’t have to go at it quite as gung-ho,” Hurst said.

“They didn’t commit as many men forwards as they would if it was nil-nil, but at the same time Jayson’s only had to make one really good save.

“We’ve had a good chance with Ivan Toney and he’s also got his goal. Doddsy’s put one just wide which I didn’t think the ‘keeper was getting to and at the death we’ve had an effort.

“Again I’m left after a game feeling as if we could have got something from the game and again officials have made it extremely difficult on the evening.”