Shrewsbury Town: Paul Hurst says League One leaders need more strength in depth

Shrewsbury were without Alex Rodman for the first time this season, the winger having "ruled himself out" with an ankle injury

Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Hurst says their shock 1-0 defeat at bottom club Bury underlines the need to strengthen their squad in the January window.

The League One leaders were without winger Alex Rodman at Gigg Lane because of an ankle injury.

And midfielder Abu Ogogo started a three-match ban following his red card in Saturday's 2-1 win at Rotherham.

"We have to keep our fingers crossed we don't suffer too many injuries and suspensions until January," said Hurst.

"Then we have got a decision to make realistically about what we have to do in order to maintain still being in a very good position in the league. We have got a limited squad.

"I looked at my bench and I thought, without being disrespectful to my own players, how many real options were there for me to change that game?"

Bury's victory was a personal triumph for Shakers caretaker boss Ryan Lowe, who started his professional career at Shrewsbury

Defeat by a Bury side under the caretaker management of former Town favourite Ryan Lowe was only Shrewsbury's second in 18 games this season.

Hurst's surprise promotion contenders remain top, but their advantage over Wigan Athletic has now been cut to just one point.

And other clubs with bigger budgets, Scunthorpe United, Charlton Athletic, Bradford City, who they host on Saturday, and Blackburn Rovers, are all poised ominously just behind too.

"We weren't good enough," added Hurst. "But we're not going to suddenly panic and think that's the end of the season.

"There's a long way to go and we've been full of surprising people, which we will continue to try to do But what I do question overall is whether we have got the sort of mentality that's needed."