Paul Hurst: Shrewsbury will attack Charlton in ‘really intense’ second leg



Posted Saturday, May 12, 2018 by PA

Paul Hurst: Shrewsbury will attack Charlton in ‘really intense’ second leg

Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst insists there is no chance his side will sit back and only look to defend their 1-0 lead over Charlton on Sunday in what he expects to be an “intense” semi-final second leg.

The Shrews hold the upper hand heading into this weekend’s home clash after Jon Nolan’s fine 80th-minute strike earned them a victory at The Valley on Thursday.

A goalless draw would therefore be enough to ensure Shrewsbury will be heading to Wembley for the Sky Bet League One play-off final on May 27 but, while Hurst would probably settle for that result, it will not be his primary aim at kick-off.

He said on the Shropshire Star website: “We attack. We’ll try anyway. Charlton will have a big say in that and will be trying to do their own attacking.

“There’s no way I’m going to set up defensively. We won’t sit back come tomorrow.”

Hurst, who is again set to be without injured captain Abu Ogogo and Junior Brown, also knows the tie is far from over.

Charlton have already tasted recent success at The Montgomery Waters Meadow, winning 2-0 less than a month ago, and boast what Hurst feels is one of the strongest squads in the division.

He said: “First-leg leads have been overturned numerous times and certainly bigger leads than what we have.

“We have to be prepared for what’ll be a really intense game, a battle I’m sure at times.

“I’ve said all along they’ve got individuals – probably more than anybody – on the bench or starting that can produce a little bit of magic out of anything.

“That makes any team a dangerous one.”

Shrewsbury finished the regular season 16 points above Charlton and have won three of the last four meetings between the two rivals.

Nevertheless, caretaker Addicks boss Lee Bowyer believes his side can turn the tables on Sunday and book a trip to Wembley.

He said on his club’s website: “There is a lot of football still to be played. We will go there on Sunday and turn things around.

“It’s going to be difficult for sure because they are a good team. I’ve never said they are not a good team I just believe that my team is better.”

Bowyer says he will definitely makes changes to his starting line-up but admits it is touch-and-go whether Tariqe Fosu will be able to feature.

The winger had expected to miss both semi-final matches with a hamstring injury but recovered in time to play the final half-hour on Thursday.

However, Bowyer said: “It’s a quick turnaround. I don’t know how long, if for any minutes, I can play him for on Sunday. Hopefully I can steal another half-hour or something.”

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