Shropshire Star

Paul Hurst remains calm as Shrewsbury go top

Boss Paul Hurst was impressed with his Shrewsbury side's response from defeat in winning late on at Fleetwood - but remained calm as Town returned to the top of League One.

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Town put Saturday's home defeat against Plymouth behind them as Nathan Thomas netted his first goal for the club eight minutes from time to end Hurst's Highbury Stadium voodoo.

Shaun Whalley, with a bullet header from a terrific Thomas cross on the stroke of half-time, gave the visitors the lead before a scrappy effort after the restart pegged the hosts level.

Hurst said: "Overall it was a much better performance. We had quite a few good spells and controlled a lot of the possession.

"From my point of view I'd have been disappointed to not win the game. But when they get the equaliser you are not sure.

"We showed a good response to that. We started the game tentatively but were still OK. I'm delighted with the response.

"Nolo (Jon Nolan) had a couple (of chances). One he said he felt like he was going to tap it in but then the ball ran away from him.

"I thought we played some good stuff and looked relatively comfortable.

On conceding another goal from a corner, he continued: "We're disappointed with the goal again. A bit of a scrappy one with the second phase again but we managed to get back and kept plugging away."

Thomas, 23, a deadline day capture on loan from Championship Sheffield United, sent the Town fans behind the goal into raptures with his toe-poked winner.

Wigan lost for the second game running leaving Hurst's men top of the pile.

"It's great to Nathan to get his first goal," the boss added.

"He took it well. He looked a threat. He caused the full-back problems so they made the sub, he cut inside and you just get a little feeling that something's going to happen when he gets the ball in that sort of area.

"It should do his confidence the world of good."

Whalley's header was the winger's tenth goal of a productive campaign in front of goal.

"(10 goals) is not bad at all. And it was a good way to get it. I don't think I've seen him head a ball before," Hurst smiled. "Maybe it just hit his head because it was an absolutely fantastic ball in, very difficult to defend."

Hurst added on recapturing top spot: "If any teams have dropped points, and there were a few draws, I'm sure fans of those teams kept checking the scores and would've been delighted when Fleetwood equalised.

"It's pleasing and nice for the fans.

You know I'm going to say it, There is still a long, lone way to go. Fifteen games, still a third of the season left.

"We'll keep plodding away and they don't get any easier as my old club (Rotherham) who are absolutely on fire at the moment come to town and they'll be confident of avenging the defeat we inflicted on them."