Shrewsbury Town

Gaffer looks back on 1-0 win over Oldham

Shrewsbury Town boss was pleased to kick 2018 off with a win as his side beat Oldham Athletic 1-0 at the Montgomery Waters Meadow.

Shaun Whalley’s first-half goal was enough to split the two sides as Town moved five points clear of third placed Blackburn Rovers.

The second-half was a less exciting affair, but Town hung on and Hurst praised his side’s efforts.

“It was very pleasing”, Paul said.

“It’s always difficult to play two games in quick succession and that was made more difficult second-half in particular with conditions playing against us and the wind making it difficult for us to get out.

“I’m so pleased and happy with the player’s efforts. I’ve just heard Richie (Wellens) saying that he thought it was two bang average sides in the first-half and he’s entitled to his opinion, but I thought we were the better team by some distance.

“I’ve seen them dominate a few teams and I don’t think they did that. They tried to play and we pressed them, we forced mistakes, we probably should have gone two-nil up with Steph’s header and they second half they chuck another big forward on and just go direct, so that says to me that we’ve done our job.”

Whalley’s goal was his ninth of the season and Paul praised the winger’s anticipation levels.

“It’s amazing how many times you will get your rewards if you follow things in, especially at that back post area”, said Hurst.

“Arthur had done well. He had a bright first-half, struggled second half to get into the game, but he got his shot off, the goalkeepers spilt it and Shaun’s there to tap it in and I thought we were on top in the game.

“We know they have got some good footballers, Byrne and Gardner in the midfield area particularly, but I thought we coped well with that, without being at our best.”

The result means that Town have taken 10 points from a possible 12 over the festive period and Hurst believes it’s a job well done.

“I’m delighted to get 2018 off to a winning start and the overall total in terms of league points has been very good again, so I can’t ask for too much more and we’ve got a bit of a breather now before two good cup games.”