Paul Hurst: Shrewsbury Town 'survived the adversity' against Rotherham
Paul Hurst hailed his Shrewsbury side as they continue to battle adversity and reach new heights at the top of League One.
A stunning 2-1 success, sealed by a dramatic 94th minute Stefan Payne winner, marked Hurst's Rotherham United homecoming in the best possible way.
Town go four points clear of Wigan at the top of League One.
But Hurst, who had skipper Abu Ogogo sent off just after half-time, was far from pleased with the standard of officiating and how Mr Rob Jones handled the game.
Rotherham legend Hurst drew comparisons with last season's run when his side were rock-bottom and constantly finding himself on the wrong end of refereeing decisions.
Jon Nolan gave Town a 15 minute lead before the Millers made numerical advantage count 15 minutes from time.
"At the minute it seems like we're starting to have a similar scenario to last year with things going against us," said Hurst.
"Today we've managed to survive that adversity.
"I wasn't particularly happy with some things going on.
"We all know, realistically (in the 94th minute) we're not going to rush to take a corner.
"But I haven't seen a ref want us to rush as much as we were getting advised there.
"At the end, we kick the ball out for an injured player, their staff are telling me they asked to kick it back but the keeper didn't kick it back - if that's the case then we're going to have to not kick it out in the future.
"It just kind of soured it a little bit at the end but I'm delighted for the players' with their efforts and the fans that were behind us to the end."
Hurst also disagreed with the decision to dismiss Ogogo 53 minutes in for a challenge on Shaun Cummings.
He added: "I think he's getting fouled and pushed into the corner, then he flicks it with his heel to stop it going out and he comes around the side and makes a tackle.
"The lads gone down, I'm not saying he didn't feel anything, but as though the stretcher was going to be needed and the next minute he's up on his feet.
"I think we were accused of time-wasting, the lad that scored the goal has gone down on the far side and then gets up and runs around when they needed a goal."
But brave Town kept fighting even after the home side's equaliser. The 10-men continued to attack and were rewarded inside six minutes of added time after Payne bundled home Shaun Whalley's corner for his ninth goal of the season.
Hurst said: "At the end, Toto was looking and I shouted for him to go forward - why not?
"The ball bobbled around and Stef smashed it in. A great feeling.
"Though I've had it before, you celebrate and the team go up the other end and score.
"It was a quick celebration and then getting switched on.
"It was a massive effort because this is a difficult place to come, 11 men or 10 men. I'm really proud."
