Paul Hurst: Shrewsbury used Lee Bowyer's comments as motivation
Paul Hurst revealed he used Charlton boss Lee Bowyer's demeaning comments after Thursday's first leg to motivate his players before the second-leg victory.
Caretaker boss Bowyer suggested that his Addicks side were the better team after Shrewsbury's deserved 1-0 victory at The Valley.
And Hurst's men wrapped up a stunning semi-final success with another 1-0 victory, this time at a euphoric Montgomery Waters Meadow, to set up yet another Wembley date later this month.
The Town boss was left with no doubts that it was Shrewsbury's team ethos that shone through – arguing that his side were the better team.
"Lee had his say coming into the game that he felt they were the better team," said Hurst.
"Naturally it's opinions. He's going to be bias to his team I'm going to be bias to mine.
"But I think we've got the better team. And that's the important thing – team.
"I'm not going to lie it was mentioned. If it wound them up I don't know. Sometimes you use little comments.
"I'm sure that's been used in dressing rooms against my teams in the past but I'm saying it was lack of respect.
"He was probably trying to give his team confidence but ultimately we felt it was wrong and over these two games I thought we were the better.
"And our season was better."
Following yesterday's winner, sealed by Carlton Morris' fine team goal just shy of the hour, Addicks chief Bowyer again argued his side were not second best.
Bowyer said: "They scored two goals and we didn't, but were they the better side over two legs? I don't think so.
"We were on top but we didn't take our chances again, and if you don't take your chances you won't win games."
