Gaffer reacts to unlucky defeat against
Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst believed his players were unlucky not to come away with something from this afternoon’s game against Bradford City.
Town dominated for long periods, but couldn’t make their chances count and an unlucky 55th minute own-goal from Toto Nsiala proved the difference between the two sides.
“I think we’ve gone more than toe to toe with a very good team”, Hurst said.
“I think they proved last year that they are a very good side and for large parts we had the better of the game in truth, but when you play the better sides you have to take the opportunities that come your way and realistically we’ve had misfortune with the goal that’s beaten us today.
“I was annoyed with the performance on Tuesday, but tonight I can’t be too critical and if anything that gives me more hope again because we have played against a good side and barring an unlucky goal we’d have got a point.”
Despite back to back defeats, Hurst was still in a positive mood and felt his side were much improved from Tuesday night.
“I’m disappointed that we’ve lost, but overall I’m quite happy”, said Paul.
“It was a vast improvement in terms of performance. The only thing I would say is that we got a little bit loose in possession at times, but ever with that we’ve had more than enough.
“We’ve had good chances. Maybe just a bad touch has costed us the opportunity to get in front and then it’s a different game, but I reiterate the point that when you are playing against the better teams you’ve probably got to take those chances and make it more difficult for them.”
Today was Town’s first home league defeat of the season, but Paul was in a philosophical mood, despite dropping to second in League One.
“I think he had one shot from distance that he held onto well, but overall neither ‘keeper had much to do, which is what often happens when you’ve got two good sides”, said Hurst.
“I’ve watched Bradford really dominate teams and I didn’t see that today in truth, but credit to them they’ve come away with three very good points which keeps them in a good position in the league as well.
“We’ve been knocked off top spot, but we are still in an incredible position compared to where we all thought we might have been. It’s mixed feelings today of not being too down, albeit being disappointing to have lost in front of our home fans.”