Cup games could boost Shrewsbury confidence

But cup competitions could be a very welcome distraction to Shrewsbury’s exciting League One campaign.

The Town boss was quick to suggest he would much rather have a shot at ending a run of two defeats in three than qualify for the third round of the world’s oldest cup competition.

The reasons are understandable. While his side put in a polished display against Bradford last weekend, they came away on the wrong end of the result.

Runs of defeats have been few and far between for Town under Hurst. Only twice before today have they lost three games in a row.

When their 15-game unbeaten run came to an end at Peterborough earlier in the season, Town were unable to put it right in the league for 21 days.

They smashed five goals past Aldershot in the FA Cup first round. It reinstalled confidence both in the playing ranks and in the stands.

Shrews go again in the FA Cup against Morecambe today, with the Checkatrade Trophy to follow on Tuesday evening in the shape of a knockout trip to rivals Port Vale.

It is not quite three points in the third tier, but positive performances and results can continue momentum.

And that is the crucial word for Town as they hope to build on an outstanding – and still quite unbelievable – first third of the season.

The results has wavered a little, what better chance at reinstalling confidence and getting back on the right track with a ‘winnable’ fixture.

Winnable is a loose term. Games Shrewsbury should be winning, is more appropriate. Either way, the cup draws were kind.

Hurst’s side are bidding to make the third round and draw a big-hitter, and are still on the road to Wembley in the Trophy.

The boss demands high standards and those do not slip for cup games. The bread and butter is League One but Town must take these chances at getting back into the grove. The same grove that saw them sit at the summit of the league for more than 70 days this season.

The chilly, brisk December winter is now fully upon us and Hurst has half-an-eye on the January transfer window.

In a mere 29 days’ time, managers, chief executives and agents will be frantically exchanging calls, texts and all sorts.

Paul Hurst, No.2 Chris Doig and CEO Brian Caldwell will be part of the merry-go-round.

The boss’s comments on today’s back page about business not being in Shrewsbury’s complete control may make for alarming reading – but rest assured Hurst and his band of talent-spotters are doing their upmost to identify targets.

Hurst does admit to feeling ‘very well prepared’, despite not having the ball fully in his court.

It must be a frustrating predicament for the Town boss, with so much riding on how his business plays out.

Town’s manager has pleaded with the Town board to get behind him as he looks to re-shape his squad next month.

The uncertainty surrounding loanees must provide Hurst with a throbbing headache, given the key players that could potentially be pulled from his disposal.

Still, it is comforting for the Town faithful that Shrewsbury are doing as much as they can at this point – to prepare for all circumstances.

He has been public in the search for a new full-back and winger. But Hurst may not yet be sure whether he is beefing up his central midfield, goalkeeping and forward options or seeking replacements – it poses to be a fascinating month.