Paul Hurst hails Shrewsbury Town effort as poor streak ends
Paul Hurst lauded the efforts of his squad as they halted their poor streak and climbed out of the bottom four by beating Rochdale.
Stefan Payne's first goal since a loan move from Barnsley in January just 16 minutes in clinched the points that moved Shrews up two places to 19th.
Rochdale, who had won just five League One games from 20 on the road before today, offered very little in attack with Jayson Leutwiler barely having a save to make.
The visitors did have the ball in the net twice, including Calvin Andrew's added time header, but both were ruled out for offside.
Star performers included man of the match Bryn Morris, the re-called Louis Dodds and Gary Deegan in midfield, whose partner gave birth just yesterday.
After falling back into the relegation zone after a run of six games without a win, Hurst's side returned to winning ways in comfortable style.
"The effort's there," said Hurst. "I don't think anyone can question the effort from the players in difficult conditions today, it's a lot warmer than we're used to, they put in an incredible shift. I'm proud of the players and they got what they deserved.
"It's where we are on April 30th (that counts) but until then we needed to collect points because we were one of the teams in the bottom four.
"There's a major effort still to come. On Tuesday night, and we've mentioned the running stats, they were either the highest or second highest they've been. That says to me, if it weren't for the decisions, we'd have got the result because that's been the trend.
"I said before I think Rochdale are a good team, we were due a bit of luck, no-one would begrudge us that. I've seen one of the offsides and it is offside, I've been told the other is offside.
"I don't think they could have any qualms if we think back to the match at their place."
Hurst praised Payne, whose inclusion from the off was greeted by a mixed reaction from Town fans.
The boss added: "I think maybe there were one or two little groans towards him. I've had it before where people don't see what someone brings to the team.
"If he's heard anything or feels like he was under pressure, his finish was extremely cool and it got us off to a good start and obviously won us the game."
