Gaffer reacts to late win
Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst praised his team’s spirit as they once again scored late to pick up three points on the road.
Omar Beckles gave Town the lead before Rovers hit back, but it was Town that would claim the victory after Alex Rodman’s brilliant run and cross was nodded in by Toto Nsiala.
“It’s always nice when you win that way”, Paul told the Press.
“It was a tough game, as we expected, on a very heavy pitch, but I don’t doubt the spirit in the team whether we win, lose or draw.
“I thought we were the better side first-half and then got ourselves in front, and then after we looked like we were going to go on and control the game they get an equaliser and have a good spell without Craig having to make too many real saves of note.
“Then we game back into it and obviously get an excellent winning goal. There’s a bit of debate as to whose goal it is. I think some people gave it Alex Rodman, but at the time I thought Toto had headed it in.”
Whether it was Rodman’s goal or not, it was some terrific wing-play from the former Newport County man and Paul acknowledged that.
“The best things the tackle in the first place because you don’t expect that with wingers”, said Hurst.
“I know he can do the other parts. It’s a great bit of skill and he drove into the box, which is what you want your wide players to do because it’s tough for the defenders who don’t want to be giving away a penalty at that stage.
“He went round the first lad, round the second and then put the ball in the net or at least very close to going in the net.”
Beckles’ opener was his first for Shrewsbury Town and Hurst was pleased to see him get off the mark.
“It’s about time he scored”, admitted Paul.
“If you’re that size and you’re asked to go up for every set-play you ought to at least get a head on it. I think at Accrington he was known for and everyone said he will get you some goals, so it does feel like it’s been a little while coming, but it was a good header and once he got his head to it the ‘keeper was never going to save it.”