Five talking points as Shrewsbury seal West Ham replay
Shrewsbury reporter Lewis Cox takes a look at five talking points to discuss following Town's fine FA Cup third round display against Premier League West Ham.
1 Sadler a credit
Club captain Mat Sadler shone against the experienced frontline of Javier Hernandez and Andre Ayew and conducted himself fantastically both on and off the field.
The 32-year-old is used by Paul Hurst as a link between the management and players and you can see why.
He was clattered and in some pain with a blooded head but was still head and shoulders above those in claret and blue.
No rolling around or big deal made. No problem to do an immediate post-match interview for TV. Class.
2 Brilliant Ben
Norwich youngster Godfrey gave one of his best displays in blue and amber in front of the watching nation.
His trademark screening of the backline cut off any supply to the two strikers, while Godfrey was strong in the tackle and competitive in the air.
The 19-year-old also lit up Montgomery Waters Meadow with a couple of mazy runs, showing technical ability he is not often credited for.
The midfielder has a massive few months ahead of him with Town fighting on three fronts.
3 Extra option up top?
Carlton Morris continued his fine form of late against an experience Premier League defence, but the forward again failed to test the opposition goal.
Morris seems to have the nod over top scorer Stefan Payne, who has looked a little shy on confidence, at the moment.
With Lenell John-Lewis, Town have just three recognised centre-forwards and Hurst may see the frontline as an area in that he looks for extra cover.
A pacy forward that can run in behind may be useful.
4 Class act Joe
Joe Hart came out of his first competitive homecoming at Shrewsbury with his head held high.
Named as Irons captain for the first time, the England international dealt with the occasion admirably both ahead of kick-off and long after the final whistle.
He can be pleased with his display on the pitch, keeping a first West Ham clean sheet since September, while his professionalism and attitude while dealing with press and excited youngsters showed a class and mature individual proud of his beginnings.
5 Paul’s priorities
Town have a number of mammoth games coming up across three competitions.
Hurst is happy to use a tight-knit squad and not go over the top with numbers, but the small group may take its toll.
He has said that the Checkatrade Trophy is a competition he wants to win, but has rotated things in that competition.
With a massive second v third clash at Blackburn on Saturday sandwiching Blackpool in the Trophy and West Ham in the FA Cup, how will Hurst go about squad selection?
