Paul Hurst thrilled to secure back to back Shrewsbury Town wins in League One
Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst enjoyed Salop's full-blooded encounter as his side made it back-to-back wins in League One.
Salop moved within goal difference of safety after a two-goal success over Bristol Rovers thanks to goals from Louis Dodds and Ian Black.
Threadbare Town, who were missing five starters due to injuries and suspensions, overcame a rocky first two minutes to comfortably ease beyond the mid-table Gas.
Hurst was sent to the stands in the second period for interfering with a Rovers free-kick, but confirmed post-match that the issue was a minor one.
On the frenetic 90 minutes, which offered up a great atmosphere thanks to 1,500 traveling Rovers fans, Hurst said: "It got the blood going for sure, it was a deserved victory although we had to withstand some pressure in the second period.
"I thought we got to grips with them but they'd pump balls up, they ended up with four strikers on the pitch.
"Particularly going into the game how we were in terms of players' availability, I'd certainly give credit to all of the lads coming in, being on the sidelines coming in."
Town are now unbeaten in four league matches and have yet to concede in five games - or 450 minutes - football at Greenhous Meadow under the boss.
The ex-Grimsby chief was keen to remain grounded ahead of a nine-day break before Boxing Day's trip to Bolton.
His players are heading for the club Christmas party tonight
"I don't like to think about the record like that because something always goes wrong," he added.
"Ultimately sooner or later we'll concede here but it'll be at least we're being nice and solid to giving each other a chance.
"It's proved important to us and given us something to hold on to. It's easier mentally to be running and fighting when you've got the advantage.
"When you're behind it can be a little bit harder but overall I don't think we gave up too many chances albeit after five minutes I thought we were in a cup tie with the first goal winning!
"We both had two chances in the opening minutes and it was something I wasn't happy with. It was a sloppy start, but when it turned around we deservedly took the lead."
