Wembley experience will aid Shrewsbury's cause, insists Paul Hurst

Town will hope to banish their Wembley hoodoo of four defeats from four when they tackle either Rotherham or Scunthorpe on May 27.

Hurst watched on as his side fell foul of the curse in April as League Two Lincoln upset the odds in the Checkatrade Trophy final.

But the boss, who enjoyed both Wembley joy and despair with previous club Grimsby, believes Town will be better off for their experience at the national stadium – despite it not being one to savour.

“I don’t know if it’s an advantage over the other teams but it certainly makes me feel more comfortable about taking the team there,” Hurst said.

“We tried to do everything I felt that was right including visiting the stadium. We’ve now experienced it and there’s no real surprises.

“Lincoln didn’t go. There’s not a right or wrong way. But we felt the experience – although a disappointing one in the end – would stand us in good stead if we got to this situation.

“That’s where we find ourselves and fingers crossed we can use that to put on a better show.”

Shrewsbury, despite finishing third, were made outsiders by bookmakers for promotion via the play-offs. Hurst’s men again overcame the odds to comfortably dispatch Charlton.

He added: “I think we’ll go into the game as underdogs. It was unusual to finish third and be the outsiders. Unless they’ve changed their minds we’ll be underdogs so that’s different to last time (Lincoln), hopefully it’s a different outcome.”