Paul Hurst hails table-topping Shrewsbury Town's 'fantastic effort'

Shrewsbury went clear at the top of the third tier with a 1-0 Montgomery Waters Meadow victory over previously unbeaten Wigan, the bookies' favourites for promotion.

Stefan Payne made it four goals from five appearances as a Town player with the 26th minute winner.

Hurst won't get carried away by sitting top of the pile in September, but the boss is delighted for the Salop faithful, who have endured a tough season or two.

The ex-Grimsby chief joined Town rock-bottom last October, and 11 months later his side are on top of the pile, amid one of the greatest starts in their history.

"It's nice for the fans, isn't it - but you know what I'll say, I'm more interested in what happened today on the pitch. It was a fantastic effort from the team.

"We said and knew it would have to be against that team. We might have different results, that are less positive, but I'm not sure we'll play a better team than them.

"The way they work the ball, how comfortable they are under pressure, it needed to be a top performance. It stemmed from pure togetherness and hard work, which again I'll make no excuses about.

"The best thing for me is that it's together.

"But again some quality as well. In the second-half although they had a lot of territory, we've got players that can take the ball up the pitch. We created some chances ourselves.

"Overall, the concentration levels had to be very high. I thought we started a little nervy, maybe giving them too much respect, a bigger crowd.

"Maybe I'm guilty in forgetting, with some of the players here - it is the biggest game of their careers so far.

"I'm really pleased with them for everything they've done. I'm delighted for the fans who've had more negative feelings in the last couple of seasons, even if it's just for tonight, looking at the table.

"But I'll leave that for fans to do."

Payne was given his first league start of the season by Hurst as Carlton Morris missed out with a hamstring injury.

He stabbed home inside the six yard line as the Meadow erupted. The visitors had Ryan Colclough sent off after full-time, after Town put all hands to the pump to preserve their lead.

"I thought he (Payne) worked tirelessly, held the ball up, lasted well and wanted to stay on. It's great with Lenny (John-Lewis), Stef and Carlton in that lone role if that's the way we're going, " the boss added.

"They're great options for me and have all contributed massively so far.

"It was a fantastic game to watch, exciting, some good football and players on show - it may have lacked one or two more goals to be an absolute classic but I'll take 1-0 all day."