James Bolton: Wondrous times ahead for Shrewsbury Town
Full-back James Bolton is confident that Shrewsbury's impressive performance in defeat is a sign of more good times ahead.
Town slipped to second in League One after being edged out by Bradford at Montgomery Waters Meadow despite dominating large parts of the clash.
After a run of just one defeat from 18 games in all competitions this term, Paul Hurst's men have now lost four of the last six, but returning right-back Bolton takes plenty of plus points from the performance that should have yielded at least a point.
The hosts peppered the Bradford goal with attempts in a positive first-half, but City snuck the decider 10 minutes into the second period as Toto Nsiala helped the ball into his own net.
"The performance against Bradford showed we'll remain confident," said the former FC Halifax and Gateshead man. "We can mix it with the best of them.
"Look at the teams we've played – Wigan, Blackburn - all massive sides. If you look at them compared to Shrewsbury then we've held our own and beaten them.
"It's really pleasing for us and hopefully we can do more of the same.
"Of course we believe the results can turn around. We've shown how easy it is to get a few results and pick up a good run so if we can keep consistent then hopefully we'll do alright."
Bolton was handed a call back in Hurst's starting XI in place of fellow right-sided defender Joe Riley and the summer signing put in an assured display.
The 23-year-old was pleased with his first 90 minutes in five weeks and – despite a small stumble in Town's astonishing early season form – assured that spirits will not take a hit.
Former Stoke City youngster Bolton, who has made 16 appearances for Town since his undisclosed fee transfer from Gateshead, added: "There's a little bit of nerves before every game but it's good, it keeps you on your toes.
"I was a little bit worried about my fitness because match fitness is totally different. I was tiring a little bit towards the end but I got through it OK.
"We are down but I'm sure once we get back in the spirits will be back up and we'll realise we can mix it with the best and carry on."
