HURST SAYS SHREWS DESERVE MORE PRAISE
PAUL HURST is hoping his Shrewsbury side can continue to go about their push for promotion under the radar as they climbed back into the top two.
Second-half strikes from Jon Nolan and Stefan Payne’s penalty cancelled out Josh Morris’ early free-kick for the home side, after which the Shrews manager admitted his surprise at the lack of respect being afforded to his side.
“I drove back to Sheffield the other day listening to the radio. They were talking about midweek games and we didn’t get a mention,” said Shrews boss Hurst.
“I kind of quite like that in a way, although it’s very disrespectful in terms of what this team has done and achieved.
“We’re just trying to do what we can. It’s already been a fantastic season, regardless of what happens in these 10 remaining games.
“But we’re trying to hang on in there – we want to do as well as we can.”
Victory at Glanford Park was as much down to Shrewsbury’s ability to cope with the conditions as much as dealing with what Scunthorpe had to throw at them. Snow made visibility tough in spells and a the wind affected the flight of the ball.
Scunthorpe squandered several chances to add to their lead, including Henderson saving a Morris penalty before the break.
“It feels like a big win,” continued Hurst.
“In the first half, we saw plenty of the ball, but didn’t carry enough of a threat. That changed in the second half and we were well in the ascendancy.”
Scunthorpe boss Graham Alexander admitted life is KENNY JACKETT praised his Portsmouth side for beating the conditions at Boundary Park.
Gale-force winds and heavy snow marred long periods of the match, but Pompey took the points thanks to Brett Pitman’s fine brace.
Jackett said: “I’m delighted with the result, of course, but the conditions really were incredible at times.
“I think we saw all four seasons during the game. It was the same for both sides, though, and I “harsh” on his side at the moment – on the back of one victory in 12 matches.
“We’re doing really good things, but getting punished for the slightest mistake or lack of focus. It’s a harsh world at the moment for us.
“We’re in the top four over the past 15 games for chances created, but we have to find that killer instinct.
“We should have had a more handsome lead, but didn’t and the early goal in the second half carried on the frustration.” Possession 46% 54% Shots On Target 6 4 Shots Off Target 7 3 Blocked Shots 1 1 Corners 6 4 Fouls Conceded 16 19 Offsides 1 1 Yellow Cards 2 3 Red Cards 0 0
thought we adapted really well and much better than Oldham did.
“It went from blizzard to sunshine, and then back to blizzard, again, but credit to the lads.
“We defended well and restricted Oldham to very few chances. I think that’s a first clean sheet since December, so I’m really happy about that.”
Oldham manager Richie Wellens said: “The conditions were difficult. We were trying to play neat, passing football when Portsmouth were clearing it long and trying to force mistakes from us.”