Paul Hurst hails Shrewsbury Town faithful following victory

A vociferous crowd of more than 6,500 home fans roared Hurst's men to a 2-0 victory over the visiting Saddlers courtesy of goals from Alex Rodman and Abu Ogogo.

Hurst issued a rallying cry to supporters after the recent 1-1 Meadow draw with Gillingham and supporters have responded with impressive followings and noise against Charlton, Yeovil and Walsall.

Hurst said: "It was fantastic, I obviously said a few things a while ago. I feel like the fans have responded.

"Yes you can argue that the other night's a semi-final and today's a derby but I thought they were excellent throughout.

"It spurs the team on. I hope they do understand, when people talk about the 12th man, it can give you that lift. It's great to send them home with the bragging rights.

"It's been a long time coming, that result against Walsall so everyone connected with Shrewsbury Town can enjoy another nice weekend."

Rodman struck six minutes in to earn Town a lightning start before skipper Ogogo notched two minutes from time - his second goal in two home games.

Town's record going into the Saddlers clash was two wins from 22 against their rivals from the West Midlands.

Hurst conceded his side were not near their rip-roaring best in difficult conditions, but they did enough to deserve the spoils.

"It's always nice to beat your rivals in a derby game," added Hurst. "We put that to bed for any questions moving forward about that.

"I don't think we were at our best. It was probably difficult conditions but we started the game really well and got ourselves in front to get the advantage.

"We kind of lost our way a little bit. We didn't play the conditions enough. Sometimes we've got to not look quite as good on the eye and put the ball into areas when they're on top of you to take press out of the situation.

"But overall we deserved it. Albeit not our best performance."

Town move on to 71 points with 11 League One games remaining. Hurst continued: "I still think at times we look a good side. You're always a little bit wary. They hit the woodwork twice and we hit it once.

"I didn't feel like the header was going in it was just where it was going to drop.

"I'm delighted. We carry on competing at the right end of the league edging closer to securing a play-off spot. We're not too far off from a points total that has guaranteed in recent years.

"People will be thinking about other things but there's nothing wrong with the play-offs to begin with and then see where that takes us."