Paul Hurst hails 'odd defying' Shrewsbury Town players
Town boss Paul Hurst saluted his team's breathless display after resisting a Wigan backlash and going toe-to-toe with their table-topping hosts.
A gallant Shrewsbury side, roared on by 1,347 away fans, matched the leaders in an enthralling goalless clash at the DW Stadium on Boxing Day.
Town have taken four points from the Latics this season - the team that Hurst sees as the division's top side and eventual champions.
The Montgomery Waters Meadow boss knew that Wigan were keen to make an example of Town and 'send them packing', but his side more than held their own and enjoyed spells of dominance, finally securing a third-straight clean sheet.
Hurst said: "(We're) defying the odds and coming to places like Wigan today, where they were keen to give us some hiding.
"I say that because we're one of a few teams that have beat them and they wanted to score four or five against us today and really send us home packing so I'm delighted that didn't happen.
I keep saying it and nothing will change my mind, we've seen the team that'll be the champions at the end of the season.
"They've got some very good players but I thought we had spells in the game as well. I'm sure on Sky it'll report the last five minutes, one of which would've been a worldy with his (Max Power's) first touch.
"There were not loads of chances with either team - would we have taken a point before? I think we would've.
"Another clean sheet, I think we're built on always being in games if they show the attitude of today.
"It always gives you a chance."
Hurst's men have collected seven points from nine since a league run where they won once in five.
Town were roared on my a ferocious Boxing Day following of more than 1,300, with Shrews fans making the DW affair feel like a Meadow clash.
The boss was happy fans proved him wrong.
He added: "I'd heard before that there was 1,000 coming and I thought 'I can't see that' - I'm glad they proved me wrong there.
"It was a fantastic following, I'm pleased they gave up part of their Christmas to watch the team put on a show full of commitment and pride to wear the shirt.
"Working extremely hard and the commitment. That's the basis of what fans are looking for."
