Paul Hurst thrilled with Shrewsbury Town atmosphere after dramatic win
Jubilant Shrewsbury chief Paul Hurst praised the special atmosphere inside Greenhous Meadow as Salop secured a dramatic victory against Oxford United.
The Town boss made it four games unbeaten at the helm after Shaun Whalley's 98th minute strike added to AJ Leitch-Smith's opener and put the seal on a memorable Meadow occasion.
It was Shrewsbury's first league win in more than two months and a first clean sheet in League One since the shutout at Coventry on the second weekend of the season.
Salop fans were chanting Hurst's name for much of the final 10 minutes of the game and Whalley's exquisite chip eight minutes into stoppage time sparked wild scenes as the hosts climbed from the bottom of League One.
Hurst said: "I don't know what happens here usually but that seemed a little bit special to me towards the end of the game.
"They were getting behind the team when the team needed them.
"They raised the volume, gave that encouragement and it was a very, very good day for everybody connected to the football club."
The ex-Grimsby chief, who has seen his new side score nine goals and concede just one across three competitions, also reserved praise for the Meadow backroom staff.
He cited the visit of Oxford a 'real test' after domestic cup successes and despite a second-half response from the U's Town were well-worth the three points.
"It feels very good, particularly the way it played out," the boss added.
"The challenge to the players before the game was that we'd won two games and it didn't matter the opposition - they'd showed a good attitude.
"But the real test was today and I think it was a massive effort from everyone. Mainly the players, and I stressed that to them afterwards.
"The players have bought in the mentality and put it out on the pitch so credit to them. But also there are a few others, in terms of the staff we have here, the analysts, I like to do it as well - probably take on more work than I need to."
Goalkeeping coach Danny Coyne, who looked after the side while Salop were in search of a new manager, and physio Chris Skitt - were singled out for praise.
Whalley, who came on as a substitute, ran straight over to Skitt when he added his late goal.
Hurst said:"They got everything spot on. Danny Coyne too, with Maguire and his shots, everything was covered and then it was a nice moment as Shaun gets the goal to seal it and we relax and everything comes a bit easier.
"Him running over to Skitty the physio and celebrating with him in terms of getting him fit and back on the pitch doing what he loves."
