Shrewsbury Town told to embrace challenge of being top

And the Town chief hopes his players are able to make good of the potential opportunity that could present itself to them this season.

Ahead of his side’s trip to Gigg Lane, Town have lost just once in the league in all season and are four points clear at the summit. The hosts have not enjoyed league success for six games, stretching back more than a month

After Town struck late for three points at promotion-hunting Rotherham on Saturday, Hurst is ready for a different challenge.

“Yes, part of the challenge is maintaining standards,” said Hurst.

“This is where you want the carrot of being at the top of the league to be embraced by the players.

“For them to understand that, the more we keep picking up good results and the deeper into the season we go, at some point – even I myself – will have to admit there’s an opportunity there for us.

“At the minute we’re quite a way from that stage.”

Hurst feels his side’s win at Rotherham has put them in a good position ahead of Saturday’s visit of third-placed Bradford. Town then head into a league break with FA Cup and Checkatrade Trophy ties.

“But if you go to Rotherham and win how we did then that has got to give them belief if we haven’t had it already, which I think they had.

“It was particularly pleasing after the Peterborough game, where we took our first defeat,” he added.

“No matter what happens tonight we’re still going to be in a good place going into the Bradford game.”