Energetic Shrewsbury Town a mirror of boss Paul Hurst
Paul Hurst believes his high-tempo, gung-ho Shrewsbury side embody the way he wants to play football.
Storming Town made it nine wins from 11 to remain four points clear at the top of League One with a deserved 2-0 success over Scunthorpe.
And a rasping second-half display full of boundless energy got the hosts over the line as they won by more than one goal for the first time this season.
The boss, whose side took 19 points from 21 available through a sensational September, hailed his team’s energetic style.
“It’s a high press but at times it’s from a different start point,” said Hurst. “We tried it in a couple of games last season and got played around and caught out.
Nature
“We mentioned about having to be a bit more patient and sit back behind the ball at times, but it’s not in my nature, it’s not what I want to do, it’s not what I really want to watch.
“Teams, not always, but can reflect you as a person and I was probably one of those strange players that enjoyed running after the ball and trying to win it back more than having it at my feet. I love to see it when we go and press and make contact with people (opposition). I sometimes get a bit carried away (on the touchline). In the first-half sat up there (in the press box) I was a bit bored.”
Skipper Abu Ogogo’s relentless work ethic helped Town seal the points as the midfielder dispossessed Sam Mantom to lay on the chance for Carlton Morris to score the host’s second.
Stefan Payne had opened the scoring with his sixth of the campaign.
It is the first time since the 1975/76 season that Town have gone 11 league games unbeaten while in the top three divisions.
Hurst revealed his squad’s confidence going into the clash with the fancied Scunthorpe side.
He added: “Maybe I was more worried about them than they are themselves coming into the game. On Friday there were a few things.
“There were a few tackles flying in and a few seemed a bit grumpier than normal. I think through a bit of fatigue.
“But the message I got back from the staff was that the players are in a good place and they just want to carry on.”
