We’ll prove Bury display was a one-off – Omar Beckles

Paul Hurst’s League One leaders have not had many – if any – off days in the league this season, but Hurst was quick to point out that the Gigg Lane reversal was not good enough.

But out of adversity in Greater Manchester, one plus point was the continued emergence of defender Beckles, who will likely continue his marshalling of Town’s backline for tomorrow’s visit of Bradford.

The giant centre-half is enjoying his first run of games at the heart of Shrewsbury’s defence, in his natural position, and has caught the eye.

The 26-year-old does not care much for plaudits at this stage, however, and is more focused on ensuring that Town quickly get back up to speed for the visit of one of the third tier’s big-hitters.

The former Aldershot and Accrington man said: “The game on Tuesday was one of those weird, one-off games – I don’t believe we’ll see one of those from our team again to be honest.

“Obviously I could shoot myself in the foot by saying that but I would like to believe so.

“I want to put that to bed. Moving forward we’re going to have a good game.

“We want to prove people wrong, yet again. We’re in this position and we’ll see if we can do it and get a big scalp in Bradford, who are expected to be promoted.

“You should expect a bunch of lads that are going to prove a point, prove that the performance (at Bury) was a one-off.”

After what was just the second league defeat of the season for Hurst’s underdogs, the boss revealed one or two of his players were bickering in the dressing room afterwards.

But Beckles insisted that was natural after the side slipped below their standards. “As professionals and being in the position we are, there’s a level of expectation and a standard that we want to keep up.” he said.

“If we don’t keep up that standard, then it’s natural (we won’t be happy). If we go in and we’re buzzing after losing 1-0 then you know something’s wrong. It’s a good sign at the end of the day.

“I feel like it’s credit to the management, staff and everyone around the dressing room that keep the spirit maintained and not fluctuating up and down.”

While Hurst accepts that raising standards ahead of the visit of Stuart McCall’s Bantams is part of his remit, he also believes Town’s situation should be sufficient motivation for his players.

The boss said: “Players have to take that responsibility as well, they have to want to get back to their best.

“They have to want to fight to keep defying the odds and stay at the top of the division.

“I’d love to be the player in that position, every Saturday or Tuesday, getting victories or a point and understanding you’re still top of the league.

“Almost to stick two fingers up at everyone that thinks you’re no good and you shouldn’t be anywhere near the top. I’d love that. That’s the determination, desire and fight I want them to have.”

As for Beckles, the 6ft 4in defender insists there is plenty more in the tank. “I believe in my standards that there is so much more to come from myself.

“I feel like the more games I play, the more comfortable I’ll naturally get and I’ll grow in my position even more so.”