New boss Hurst on the hunt for more
NEW Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Hurst has demanded his players get used to a winning feeling after they eased past Barnet into the FA Cup second round.
Goals from Mat Sadler, AJ Leitch-Smith and a stunner from Jack Grimmer sealed the win in Hurst’s first home game since taking the reins at Greenhous Meadow.
Hurst described the win as “a perfect start”, but warned Shrews fans not to get carried away as the Shropshire side fight League One relegation.
“A clean sheet, a win at home and a win generally – that’s perfect,” he said.
“When you’re a team that hasn’t won for so long, you have to be pleased.
“We’re not getting carried away, but we’ll enjoy this, and hopefully we’ll have more of those feelings going forward.
“They put a shift in, though they started nervously. But when we went 2-0 up, I thought we saw a different set of players.
“We defended well last week at Southend, and have followed that up.
“Jack (Grimmer) did well – he came in, was on the front foot and if you don’t shoot, you don’t score.
“From speaking to a few people, AJ needed that goal, and I thought his performance was very lively.”
The hosts took the lead on 27 minutes when Sadler fired high into the net after he reacted quickest when Jamie Stephens tipped Jim O’Brien’s free-kick onto the bar.
Leitch-Smith doubled the lead around the half hour, steering his header past Stephens after Ivan Toney’s excellent cross.
The tie was sealed on 57 minutes, as Fulham loanee Grimmer smashed home a firsttime half-volley from near 30 yards out into the top corner.
Barnet boss Martin Allen cut a desolate figure as his side crashed out at the first hurdle.
He added: “I hate going out of the FA Cup – I absolutely hate it.
“We started really well, had chances but they didn’t get converted.
“They scored with their first attack, which is bitterly disappointing.
“It looked like every time they went forward, they scored.
“All of the game until then was played in their half.
“Our attacking play wasn’t as good as it needs to be, but the players gave a committed performance.
“We had chances but they’ve got to be taken – some of them hit the back of the stand. It’s disappointing – we knew their weakness was set-plays.”