Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst: We more than matched Blackburn

Paul Hurst believes disappointment at securing a draw against high-profile Blackburn Rovers is a measurement of the strides his Shrewsbury side have made.

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Table-toppers Town, who remain three points clear at the summit of League One, were six minutes away from an eighth win from nine before Bradley Dack's leveller.

Toto Nsiala had Town ahead just before the hour mark. A boosted attendance of 8,202 - the highest in more than two years - erupted as the popular defender finished from close-range.

Town had further chances to put the pulsating afternoon to bed but Rovers, who sold out their away end with some vociferous support, climbed to ninth with their equaliser.

"I enjoyed the game. The fans did too, I'm sure.

"It's a little sign of, perhaps, how far we've come. I've got a dressing room in there that feel like they've been beat.

"For large parts we more than matched Blackburn. Their subs had an impact coming on and they had a good spell at the start of the second-half and towards the end."

Shrewsbury's seven wins this term have come by one goal but that margin was not enough to seal the victory today.

And if the boss had one criticism, is was for his side to be more ruthless in front of goal and create a cushion to ensure they don't come under pressure towards the end of the game.

"Probably Stef's chance, if we are going to be super critical - for the players themselves - we've got to try and get that little bit more of a cushion in a game to help save their legs slightly," he added.

"There's no getting away from it, forget the league position or whatever, we played a top team and more than held our own.

"It's another day where there are very promising signs and we're slightly disappointed with a draw against Blackburn Rovers.

"On the flip side I'm pleased we've come that far but we'we quickly on to the next one and Doncaster on Tuesday night."

But the boss was keen to focus on his side's many positives, citing their phenomenal energy and endearing honesty as a contributing factor.

Hurst said: "There's no comparison in terms of wage bills - which I'm pleased about, because there'd be no point us turning up for games like this.

"I just like the energy and honesty of the team. If anything we're naive, it was more like a cup tie at times.

"When you're 1-0 up, it's that balance between not becoming stretched, maybe we get it slightly wrong at times.

"On occasion we end up a little bit deep and at others, when we're bursting forward, the enthusiasm from them is fantastic.

"I've got an honest group and I'm enjoying being manager of them. I hope that can continue."