Shropshire Star

Paul Hurst warns Shrewsbury: No easing up now

Task-master Paul Hurst has warned Shrewsbury not to ease up after their flying start to the season.

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Town made it back-to-back opening league wins for the first time since 2010 with their 1-0 win at AFC Wimbledon, where they produced a fine first-half display.

Town are one of five teams in League One with an unblemished record after 180 minutes. Hurst’s side enjoy a free week this week before welcoming Rochdale to Montgomery Waters Meadow on Saturday. But Hurst won’t let his players sit and admire their work. The boss has extra running on the schedule for his squad as they look to further strengthen in all departments.

“We enjoyed the trip home and we’ve got a nice free week,” said the Shrewsbury chief.

“But they know what they’re doing Monday and Tuesday, and they’re doing some more running – and they’re doing that Thursday too, but there’ll be football as well.

“It’s good. It (winning) gives them that belief. In the first half I thought a couple of players need that bit more belief to really produce the goods.

“It can only be good for them that we get results. All that hard work comes into fruition really.

“But we won’t slack off. The minute we start thinking we’re a decent side we’ll come unstuck.

“We’ll keep on at them and hopefully we’ll get the reward at the end of 90 minutes like at Wimbledon and can think about taking maximum points.

“It’s great for the fans as well, who were great again in their numbers. Hopefully they are enjoying what they are seeing so far.”

Hurst’s only criticism was Town’s inability to grab a killer second goal, leading to inevitable worries as the hosts flung numerous high balls into the Shrewsbury penalty area late on.

He said: “The longer it went we took control of that first half. I was disappointed we didn’t get more goals. That was the criticism at half-time.

“I’ve been involved in lots of games and you’re stood there thinking ‘something’s going to kick us in the teeth’. At the end there’s a late set-play and I’m waiting for them to make a connection and for us to come away disappointed with a draw.

“We did play some excellent football.”