Derby v Shrewsbury - Match preview

More than 2,000 fans celebrated in the corner of the stadium at full-time – they were happy scenes.

The feeling around Shrewsbury right now though does not have the same optimism, and head coach Hurst has a job on his hands to turn Salop around.

The Shropshire side are just three points away from the drop zone after results in midweek went against them.

But they still sit in 17th place in the League One table, so there are other teams in the mix. The remedy is simple – they need to start picking up points on a consistent basis.

That looks like a challenge in the near future, with this trip to take on the Rams, who sit second in the table, quickly followed by the visit of Barnsley to the Croud Meadow.

But that proceeds a run of seven games, which ultimately will be crucial to their survival this season.

They play seven teams, all in the bottom half of League One – aside from Blackpool who are eighth.

But games against fellow relegation-threatened sides like Port Vale, Carlisle and Reading are all coming, as well as other winnable clashes against Wigan, Lincoln and Exeter City.

The end of the season is not a pretty one, fixture-wise, so Town must make sure they are in a position where they have some sort of cushion. This weekend’s opponents have undoubtedly got themselves together since the two sides met at the Meadow – a game which Shrewsbury played well in and deservedly won 1-0.

There were angry scenes on the pitch at full-time as captain Conor Hourihane clashed with the travelling Derby supporters.

Paul Warne was under immense pressure then – but they have turned it around.

The Rams’ record since that game has seen them win 13 times, pick up two draws and lose three times – and they are second in the table just behind the leaders Portsmouth, so it looks like a difficult afternoon in prospect.

Shrews will be without Tom Bloxham on the right wing.

Since he has returned from Morecambe, he has started every game. One under former boss Matt Taylor and two since Hurst arrived at the Meadow for a second stint.

Hurst likes to operate with wingers, but there is not really an obvious choice to replace Bloxham.

Taylor Perry has played on the right on several occasions, so he looks likely to fill the void.

The boss could go with a change of shape. He has hinted that he is not against it, but it is likely that Brighton loanee Jack Hinchy will make his first start in a Town shirt.