Shrewsbury Town manager on victory over Carlisle United

The Shrews claimed their first home win since Hurst returned as manager – as the Blues’ woes continued.

Dan Udoh’s first-half goal was enough and Shrewsbury saw off some second-half pressure from struggling United.

“I was happy in some ways. I don’t think they made Marko [Marosi, Shrewsbury’s keeper] work too much,” he told his club’s website.

“We had long throws into the box, a few free-kicks. They have scored a lot of goals from set-plays. 

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“And they have been scoring goals recently so to keep them out was a positive. 

“I thought we did well in bits but not to the extent we could really take the sting out of the game. 

“We needed that bit more energy to press them higher and stop them having as much possession as they did. 

“But again, in truth, they didn’t really hurt us. So overall, I was partly pleased but there is always room for improvement.”

Morgan Feeney was booed throughout by Blues fans but enjoyed victory against his former club (Image: Richard Parkes)

Shrewsbury moved nine points clear of the relegation zone with seven games to play, with fears of the drop easing under Hurst, who replaced Matt Taylor at the helm in January.

Hurst admitted his side could have made life easier for themselves, but in the end it was a successful day for a side that included defender Morgan Feeney, the ex-Blues captain who was booed throughout by travelling fans.

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Carlisle-born ex-United striker Ryan Bowman also came off the bench for the hosts in the closing stages.

“There is still work to do. It is not over. I’m not stood here thinking that’s it,” added Hurst.

“We have got a nice cushion, but we also know some of the fixtures we have got coming up. 

“So that three points today was very welcome for us.”