Shrewsbury Town in for a tough test against Rochdale, says Paul Hurst

Town go into this clash at the Montgomery Waters Meadow having won their opening two games in League One, while Dale have a loss and a draw to their name.

Last season, Hurst’s men beat them 1-0 at home after losing 2-1 at Spotland.

He said: “We beat Rochdale in a tight game last season.

“They are a group that have been together for a long time now, not too many changes there.

“We lost over there, in one of my earlier games, 2-1 with a very disputed goal – that’s a kind way to put it.

“Both games, I think we caused some problems and so did they.”

The visitors, managed by Keith Hill, finished ninth last season.

They have seasoned third-tier talents such as Ian Henderson and Matt Done in their ranks, and Hurst expects them to do well again.

“They play with a lot of energy, drive, committing forward. When they do that, we have to be solid and then try to break from that position,” he said.

“They are a team that flirted with the play-offs last season, just missed out.

“I am sure they will be looking for the same again.”

Optimism is growing among Town supporters after their solid start to the season – 1-0 wins over Northampton Town and AFC Wimbledon.

The likes of Jon Nolan and Alex Rodman have stood out in those games but Hurst prefers to assess those results as a collective effort, rather than singling out particular players.

He said: “I think the team has functioned well, in fairness.

“They have started to pass the ball really well – being the start of the season may help with that – and I am pleased with how they have bonded together.

“That togetherness is what its all about. No individual wins games.”

Hurst feels a key factor of how his side has gelled is the character of the players he is brought in – willing to learn and having a point to prove.

“We always try to do our homework on that side,” he said.

“You do as much as you can but better managers at bigger clubs have certainly got things wrong in the past. If you can get a high percentage of your signings right, you are doing well.

“I’d like to think over my time as a manager that has usually been the case.”

Town played attractive football against Northampton and Wimbledon to get the victories, but Hurst insists he is not afraid to win ugly.

“If I drive home and we’ve got three points with an ugly victory, there’s a big part of me that will take that,” he said.

“It’s nice when you can put both together as we did in the two opening league games.

“It’s nice to send fans away having won, and that we have got a decent team trying to play football in a good, energetic way.

“I think fans, though, will forgive a lot if you get the three points.

He added: !We played very well at times last week then in the second half we probably could have done a little bit better.

“It won’t be mass changes that’s for sure but one or two decisions to maybe just mull over.”