Thrilled manager Graham Turner has hailed Shrewsbury Town’s powers of recovery after they bounced back from a testing start to the season to break into League Two’s top five.

Town managed a return of just two points from their opening three league games.

But a run of three successive victories – including Saturday’s dramatic last gasp 1-0 victory at Gillingham – has seen Shrewsbury storm up the table and within two points of top spot.

“It’s all looking very promising,” said Turner.

“After the first three matches, it’s an achievement to get three straight wins and get to 11 points by this stage of the season.

“It shows the character of the players that we can pick ourselves up from a difficult start to the season, and that we can come away with a win at a place like Gillingham.”

Town’s dramatic victory came from a twice taken penalty from Nicky Wroe in the 93rd minute.

But the visitors were also grateful to goalkeeper Ben Smith who kept out a penalty from Gills striker Danny Kedwell in the first half.

And the shot-stopper admitted he was delighted to pull off what was a rare spot kick save. “I don’t save many penalties to be honest – it’s not my strongest point,” admitted Smith, who turned 25 today.

“I guessed the right way and it landed in my hands.

“We talked about it before the game and Kedwell smashed one and placed one of his last two penalties.

“I stood up as long as I could and read his body shape a bit.

“I thought he might go to the right and sometimes you save them, sometimes you don’t.”

Smith has now urged Shrewsbury to continue their winning streak.

“We had a bad couple of games at Burton and Oxford,” added the 24-year-old.

“We put that behind us and reacted the way we should but we need to keep the momentum going now into the next few games.”

By JAMES GARRISON