Keep the dream on track, Paul Hurst urges Shrewsbury

Hurst will ensure that his squad do not down tools now they have clocked up a half-century of points – his primary target since the start of the season.

Saturday’s 2-1 success at Southend, a 28th win in 53 matches throughout 2017, lifted second-placed Shrewsbury to 51 points, the same tally that dramatically secured survival at the end of last season.

Hurst believes his squad have enough motivation to maintain a desire for picking up points and does not want his players to think it is ‘job done’ after the the Roots Hall victory.

“I think fans have been dreaming, if not all season then certainly 10 games in. But then there are some that have verged more on my side with a bit more reality,” said Hurst.

“I guess the reality is that we are up there at the minute. What I don’t want is it to be a watershed moment in that we’ve reached that and then it all goes to pot.

“I don’t think the players are thinking like I am but ultimately it was the first goal to get to 50 points as soon as we can.

“It’s come a hell of a lot quicker than anyone would’ve ever imagined.”

Ben Godfrey struck his first Shrewsbury goal, three days after extending his loan deal until the end of the season, to help Town to three points in Essex.

Town are now unbeaten in seven games in all competitions and reeled the gap to leaders Wigan in to two points. They welcome Oldham to Montgomery Waters Meadow today.

When asked how he will guard against his side downing tools, Hurst replied: “The group. The messages they’ll get from the staff and hopefully the way they are themselves.

“Maybe if we’d have reached 50 points with eight games left and there’s not too much to play for but, let’s be honest, in the position we’re in – they shouldn’t need any motivation from anyone. They’re doing it all themselves. We’ve got to keep pushing, get as many points as we can.”