Paul Hurst: Narrow cup defeat can inspire league form
Proud Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst believes that his side's brave extra-time defeat at West Ham can inspire them to continue their flying league form.
The Hammers finally ended 200 minutes-plus of deadlock by netting a 113th-minute winner at the London Stadium last night, seven minutes before a penalty shootout.
While the third round repay defeat brought to an end Hurst's resilient squad's run in the FA Cup, the boss hopes that competing with David Moyes' top-flight side across both ties can bode well for Town's League One future.
FULL REPORT: West Ham 0 Shrewsbury 1 AET
Reece Burke hammered home for the Irons deep into extra time, a finale Hurst described as heartbreaking, after inspiring Shrews had delighted their 3,000 travelling fans with a brave display.
"You'd love to bring a team to stadiums like this as often as possible.
"It should give them belief and confidence because we've gone toe-to-toe with West Ham - not quite the full line-up but still some very good players in both games - and we've not looked totally out of place.
"I hope it has (inspired us moving forward).There are things we need to improve on no doubt about that.
"But at the same time some of the players have shown they can really make a step up.
"That should bode well for the rest of the campaign in the league."
Hurst was disappointed with the manner of West Ham's late winner, as the young defender netted his first goal for West Ham after Town had failed to clear a corner.
Moyes included star attacker Manuel Lanzini from the off while he threw on Marko Arnautovic and Mark Noble in a bid to seal a fourth-round spot.
But Town, flying high in second in the third tier, had the best chance inside 90 minutes as Stefan Payne was denied in a one-on-one with Joe Hart before Toto Nsiala headed over just before extra time.
"I'm very proud of the players," he added. "But extremely disappointed with the goal we conceded.
"Out of all of the players on show, and not disrespectfully to the goalscorer, but the type of goal we conceded. It was heartbreaking. You're edging closer to penalties and then you never know.
"The players deserved to get to that point but ultimately West Ham did their job and enough to get through.
"When you're playing in the really big games you've got to take the opportunities that come along."
