Shropshire Star

Paul Hurst happy with Shrewsbury Town comeback

Paul Hurst was satisfied with his side's second-half reaction against Cardiff City.

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A 2-1 victory against Neil Warnock's Championship side contained two second-half strikes from Shrewsbury Town after the Bluebirds deservedly led at the break.

The Town boss branded the first-half display 'lacklustre' but was far more with their second-half showing.

"The first-half was a lacklustre display," Hurst admitted. "I don't know if it was the heat that played a part. At times from both it was a bit slow overall.

"It had a different feel to it. I wasn't really happy at half-time in truth.

"We had a few words, that doesn't mean it's a great team talk at half-time it was just basic things that were wrong - the lads know that themselves.

"Second-half we had a lot more forward runs, were more positive and on the front foot more. We played better."

Shaun Whalley netted from the spot - his first goal of pre-season - while Louis Dodds fired in just a minute later to turn the game on its head.

It was Town's third pre-season success in a row against second tier opposition after downing Aston Villa and Wolves.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury Town have allowed defender Dom Smith out on a six-month loan to National League North outfit Southport.

The 21-year-old, from Shrewsbury, was scarcely used by Hurst following the boss' arrival and has been told he can find first-team football elsewhere.

Hurst confirmed the loan was the best current offer available for the Welsh youth international, and that Smith should use the opportunity to showcase his ability.

Hurst said: "I think Dom needs to go and play football.

"Something nearly happened for him over the summer and since then he did the first bit of pre-season but our conversation at the end of last season was very much about not seeing him forcing his way into the first-team squad.

"It would've been wasted time for him. The best option available is going to Southport and he's there to have the opportunity to play, he has to earn the right still.

"Yes on the face of it he should play but I've been there, it's not easy it's a good, tough league.

"Hopefully he'll impress, hopefully in the meantime can he catch the eye enough to get people talking about him to see his options come January.

"The very worst option for him is to stay at Southport."