Paul Hurst more concerned with victory than who scored winning goal

Posted Sunday, February 04, 2018 by PA

Even Shrewsbury manager Paul Hurst was not sure who to credit for the late winning goal at Bristol Rovers that put his side back into the automatic promotion places in League One.

Most of the work was done by substitute Alex Rodman with a mazy run into the box from the left and a fierce cross-shot. But, with Rovers appealing vainly for offside, Toto Nsiala claimed a final touch on the line at the far post.

Hurst said: “They are both claiming it. Alex has seen that he has been given credit in the media, but Toto doesn’t get many and says he got a touch. The ball probably hit him!

“I am more concerned with the result because it is another big win for us against a side with a very good home record.

“It doesn’t mean anything to me that we are back in the top two at this stage of the season. Of course, we look at other results, but it is out of interest, rather than desperation.

“This is always a difficult place to come and I’m delighted with the win. Rovers never really troubled our keeper when they were on top.”

The consensus was that the winning goal was Nsiala’s to cap a strong display at centre-back.

After a drab first half, the visitors had taken a 62nd-minute lead when left-back left-back Omar Beckles rose above his markers in a crowded box to nod home Shaun Whalley’s free-kick.

Three minutes later Rovers were level as right-back Joe Partington collected a Liam Sercombe pass on the edge of the box and fired low past goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray, who appeared unsighted.

Home boss Darrell Clarke said: “It was a robust, second-ball, game, with not much between the sides. Credit Shrewsbury for making things difficult for us.

“That’s why they are where they are in the table. We are very disappointed with the goals we conceded, but it is fine lines and we are not a million miles away from them.

“We have won as many games this season as the same stage last year. The difference has been that we have not been able to draw as many

“At half-time I wasn’t happy because I don’t like seeing my team not on the front foot.

“It’s always hard losing to a very late goal, but we could have done more to prevent it and in the end they have edged a close match.”

The best chance of a poor first half fell to Shrewsbury striker Carlton Morris, who volleyed wide from six yards after Nsiala headed a Whalley free-kick across goal.