Paul Hurst on Wembley return: Shrewsbury were the better side
Elated boss Paul Hurst was delighted to give the Shrewsbury Town players and fans something to remember as his side booked another ticket for Wembley.
Jubilant scenes marked his side's League One play-off semi-final second leg 1-0 victory over Charlton - thanks to Carlton Morris' winner - which deservedly took Town through to a final on May 27.
Most of a crowd of 9,026 burst on to the Montgomery Waters Meadow surface to greet their heroes, who are off to the national stadium for the second time in this remarkable season.
Town players and staff then emerged on to the balcony of the Roland Wycherley Stand to party with supporters.
When asked how he was feeling, Hurst replied: "Strange, if I'm totally honest.
"I'm delighted. There were some great scenes at the end. Seeing the delight on the players' faces. It's a special moment and with the fans.
"There's certainly a realisation straight away that we've got one more game to go before we can really celebrate, if it's meant to be.
"I'm delighted with the performance.
"We looked a good side again. Overall there's no doubt the best team over the two legs got through."
Hurst stayed pitchside to avoid the invasion, and admitted he had to brace for a smacker on the lips from a delirious Town fan, but was more than happy to let his players and their supporters have their moment at the end.
Morris' 58th minute winner capped a 2-0 aggregate scorelines for the side that finished third in League One yet were made underdogs in the play-offs.
They will meet either Rotherham or Scunthorpe at Wembley.
"I stayed sort of safe - to a degree!" Hurst continued.
"Although one fan, who is quite famous in the Shrewsbury Town fans, managed to give me a kiss. I turned to the side and he still wanted another one.
"I wasn't overly keen on that If I'm honest. It was great scenes going up on the balcony in the end.
"Look it's not a celebration of we've done anything. Even myself, as someone reserved, you have to give the lads credit and the moment, as well as the fans."
But the boss knows there is one big push left for his heroic players.
He added: "In the end we know that after a day or two the focus is on one last big game and I'll watch with interest the other semi-final."
