Paul Hurst delighted as Shrewsbury 'underdogs' show bite
Paul Hurst lauded his Shrewsbury underdogs for rising to the occasion as they edged a deserved advantage in the League One play-off semi-finals.
Jon Nolan's screamer 10 minutes from time helped the visitors to a 1-0 victory in what was an engrossing encounter at the home of the former Premier League side.
Town, marked by the bookies as outsiders for promotion via the play-offs despite comfortably finishing third in the league, survived a lively start by the Addicks and grew into the tie while roared on by incredible noise from 777 travelling Salopians.
Nolan, who this week swept up at the player of the season awards, rattled in his 10th goal of a fine season to give Town the edge going to Montgomery Waters Meadow on Sunday.
"We were underdogs and I felt we were getting wrote off in quarters, We still might be," said Hurst.
"What the players have done is come to a great stadium with a fantastic crowd - our following as well made for a great atmosphere all night - and produced a very good performance.
"We had to put up with bits of pressure, we knew that, but we came up with our too.
"It's not like that's been a smash and grab. If anyone's saying that I'd had to disagree."
Hurst added on the decisive goal: "It was one of the few moments of quality. We got into a few positions and overhit the cross or underhit it.
"It was a great strike. We all got carried for at least three seconds and were back in the technical area."
Town looked refreshed and rejuvenated from giving key players recent breaks and pressed the Addicks well. They limited Lee Bowyer's hosts too few real chances by defending well.
Hurst was keen to send the message that the tie was only at the halfway stage, with 90 minutes to come in Shrewsbury on Sunday.
"We stayed organised and disciplined for large parts and I need all of the same Sunday," he added.
"I think the players know exactly what I feel about the scoreline and what's required. We'll certainly ram that home to them.
"We're delighted to be very much in the tie and have an advantage.
"If we don't get a full house Sunday then we never will. We don't want to come and think it'll be a party."
