Tight wins help to crank up the Shrewsbury belief
Belief is the key component as Shrewsbury continue to put the cat among the pigeons at the top of League One, says boss Paul Hurst.
Town gave their promotion hopes another boost at a wet and miserable Bristol Rovers when Toto Nsiala stooped to head a dramatic winner following a moment of inspiration from Alex Rodman. Another late show from the side that refuse to give in.
Hurst’s men began the season with one chief target. To make those involved in the mock-up predicted league table on the Sundorne Castle training ground wall look silly.
It predicted them to finish second bottom come May. But Town are sitting pretty in second, and they could just pull off a stunning promotion.
Hurst explained that, while his team began the season hoping they could compete with other sides in League One, they now believe they can beat everyone they face..
“I just think it’s a bit of hunger – and belief has naturally grown,” he said. “After going into games hoping we can try and compete, now we know we can.
“We were still very competitive in the games we’ve lost. I don’t think anyone would expect to have an easy game against us.
“Our defensive record is good so I think we’re always in games. To be this far into the season – it can’t be a fluke. You can be up there after eight games if you’ve started well, but we feel we have a really strong squad here.”
Nsiala’s winner was the eighth time Town have scored later than the 85th minute this season. All goals have been decisive. Of their 18 league wins this season, 15 have been by the odd goal.
The boss added: “We don’t win games by many usually, often by one goal, but if we keep coming out the right side of results then that belief grows.
“Plus, maintaining standards on the training pitch. That comes from the staff but I have to say that the players show an excellent attitude. They stay grounded, there are a lot of good people and characters in there as well as good players.”
Town’s three newest additions, snapped up on deadline day last week, are the latest to be offered a chance in the third tier. Abo Eisa came from non-league while Sam Jones has impressed in League Two. Nathan Thomas, on loan from Sheffield United, earned his Blades move after shining at Hartlepool.
Hurst said: “In the main we’ve gone for lads who are (now) playing at the highest level they’ve played at. Part of that is by design, part of it is financially with what we can get.
“You can still get a lot of egos and the wrong attitude lower down. It’s not just higher up. We’re big on our research and hopefully, with one or two that have had question marks in the past, by working with them and building a relationship helps get the best out of them.
“I’ve worked with a few players that we’ve managed to get the best out of.”
