Paul Hurst delighted to prove the doubters wrong with Shrewsbury Town's Pompey win

Salop won 1-0 at Fratton Park thanks to James Bolton's first goal for the club, 20 minutes into the clash.

They also had stand-in goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray to thank for making a series of fine saves.

Town have leapfrogged Blackburn Rovers, who drew 1-1 with Northampton Town, into second.

"I quite liked the manner in which we won," said Hurst.

"I feel like there has been - on the outside - a few doubters.

"To come here to a big club - one with its own ambitions of getting in the play-offs, with a fantastic home record and great support - and keep a clean sheet is big.

"We defended well. We had a bit of luck when they hit the bar but I thought we always carried a threat, as well.

"I thought we might get a second at some point. I'm delighted, it's a great afternoon for us and for the travelling fans making that long journey home."

It was Bolton's first goal since netting for non-league Gateshead in a 3-2 loss at Bromley in August 2016.

On the right-back's strike, Hurst said: "You can tell he doesn't score many. He didn't have a clue what to do once he scored.

"It's about time as he's had chances. I thought it just hit him, but I will say that Shaun Whalley put a great ball in and it's hard to defend.

"That got us off to a great start and then, mentally, it was difficult for them."

He added: "It's a very good day. Now we have the strange occurrence of a free week before going to Bristol Rovers."