Paul Hurst happy to see Shrewsbury Town pass 'biggest test yet'
Paul Hurst was left delighted as Shrewsbury Town emphatically answered their first test of the season on the way to retaining their 100 per cent league record.
A dramatic 3-2 victory over Rochdale, sealed by Stefan Payne's goal 15 minutes from the end, made it three wins in three for Town, who had to come behind following an early set-back.
Goals from Shaun Whalley and Carlton Morris turned it around but Dale came again, scoring a second penalty, setting up the dramatic finish for substitute Payne, who helps haul Shrewsbury up to fourth in League One.
Hurst was expecting a strong challenge from footballing side Rochdale, who continued to push forward in a breathless game, and believed his side came through the test they were given.
"I thought it would be our biggest test yet without the ball because they've got some very good footballers," said the boss.
"I thought we'd had enough chances at enough times to, maybe not put it to bed, because they're the type of side that will always commit to get back into the game, but maybe we could've made it that little more comfortable.
"But it's good because at 1-0 down I thought it was our first test. It was answered emphatically by the players as we went 2-1 up.
"I'm disappointed with the goals because we gave the ball away in a silly area."
The Town boss was left with no complaints about any of the three spot-kicks given by referee Andy Haines.
"I haven't got any complaints about the penalties. The second one is a penalty too.
"Our penalty at the time looked like he'd touched the ball but he hadn't having watched back, so the ref got that right."
On Payne, who netted the winner against Rochdale at the Meadow in April, Hurst added: "It wasn't the news they wanted to see, perhaps.
"We knew he'd go on there and put himself about. He took his goal extremely and looked what he is, a physical, extremely strong lad.
"It was a day where we've showed a bit of spirit but I thought played some really good football.
"Maybe it was an education, when we are winning we know everything's going to be great.
"When we went 1-0 down there was a little bit of nerves, maybe one or two slight groans.
"We're going to make mistakes on the ball if we look to play football. But it's being brave, sensible, not putting yourself under too much undue pressure.
"In the end for us it was a great finish."
