Dale feel the Payne as Shrews march on
SHREWSBURY boss Paul Hurst insists his side are better than ever before after a secondhalf strike from Stefan Payne – signed permanently from Barnsley on Friday – saw off Rochdale in an enthralling game of three penalties.
The Shrews have now won their first three league matches of the season for the first time since 2008 and this win sees Hurst’s side in fourth place, behind leaders Wigan on goal difference.
“It’s been a great start, but no one is getting carried away,” said Hurst.
“There is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead if we are to continue to progress.
“The squad I have here now is far better than last season. These players display great character and it showed when they came back from being a goal behind.
“I felt we deserved the win. We attacked Rochdale from the start and continued to take the game to them. We’re up there and I’m delighted for the players and fans.”
Dale went in front against the run of play when Aristote Nsiala brought down Brad Inman and Steven Davies fired home from the spot.
Unbowed, the Shrews continued to dictate. Norwich-loanee Carlton Morris and Junior Brown were both denied by excellent saves from Brendan Moore.
And the Shrews’ attacking verve paid-off on the half hour when Shaun Whalley scored from the spot after he had been upended by Oliver Rathbone.
An exhilarating opening half culminated with the hosts taking a deserved lead when Morris fired high past Moore, who also saved fromLouis Dodds before the interval.
The second period saw more open, fluid football from both sides. Dale were awarded a second penalty when referee Andy Haines spotted a handball, and Davies stepped forward to send Manchester Unitedloanee Dean Henderson the wrong way. But Dale never looked comfortable at the back and were exposed again, substitute Payne sealing the points for the home side by firing wide of Moore after good work by Whalley.
“We were poor defensively,” said Dale boss Keith Hill. “I’m really concerned because I detect a certain apathy among some players.
“We are much better than this performance, but a number of players need to knuckle down.
“We could have drawn, conceivably have won, but we lost due to lapses in concentration and discipline.”