Shrews continue to surprise manager Hurst

Posted Tuesday, April 03, 2018 by PA

Shrewsbury manager Paul Hurst was delighted with his side’s efforts as they maintained their League One promotion challenge by beating Oxford 3-2.

Winger Shaun Whalley scored twice as Shrewsbury – battling it out with Blackburn and Wigan for a top-two place – took their points tally for the season up to 81 with six games remaining.

Hurst said: “I think we were delighted to get over 50. Then 60, 70 and now into the 80s.

“I think it’s an outstanding achievement, no matter what happens, and that’s genuine.

“But we just want to see if we can get as many as possible and then see where we finish.”

Whalley fired Shrewsbury into a 40th-minute lead when his 20-yard free-kick found the bottom corner of the net through a crowded penalty area.

Jon Nolan’s deflected strike doubled the home side’s advantage early in the second half and, after Wes Thomas cut the arrears for Oxford, Whalley fired his second of the game and 12th goal of the season.

Joe Rothwell pulled one back for Oxford in the 73rd minute but Shrewsbury were not to be denied another win ahead of playing at Wembley in the Checkatrade Trophy final this weekend.

“I thought they were excellent today,” added Hurst, of his side’s performance. “It was a lot closer than it should have been in terms of scoreline. We looked a big threat.”

As for Whalley’s impact, Hurst added: “He’s been a big asset for us in terms of goals from himself and assists.

“He did look a little tired first half and I was a bit concerned with him but he seemed to come through that and grew into the game.

“It was another big contribution from him.”

Oxford are still seeking a first victory under Karl Robinson since the former Charlton boss was appointed manager.

“I’ve been here three games and to only get one point out of those three performances is baffling in some ways,” he said.

“I think a draw would have been fair, I thought a draw was fair the other day (against Scunthorpe) and I thought we should have won the first one, so the performances have certainly been there.”

The result leaves Oxford four points clear of the relegation zone.

Robinson added: “I’ve just said to the players ‘you’re in a dogfight, but it is what it is’. The performances are certainly getting there, they’re not of a team that is in that position.

“I’m really pleased with some aspects of the game today. To score two away from home against a team who are in the top two (and lose) I think is frustrating.”