Struggling Shrewsbury need to show fight - Hurst

Paul Hurst has overseen six wins and 21 defeats in his 36 games in charge since returning to the club as head coach in January

Shrewsbury Town boss Paul Hurst says his struggling side need to show more fight and belief as they try to turn their poor start to the League One season around.

Town's 2-0 defeat by Barnsley on Saturday was their 10th loss out of 14 league games and leaves them 23rd in the table, having played two matches more than bottom club Burton Albion.

Despite being aware the current situation needs to improve, Hurst says there are some things beyond his side's control.

"We could've had more points and we've talked about the various reasons why [we haven't] - whether that's our own deficiencies or things out of our control," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"I look at other teams, whether it's in our division, or the one above, that are placed much better than us but are having real struggles and that can be life in football.

"Sometimes things don't go as you want, or don't make sense, and sometimes things are just really tough. The latter of those is where we're at."

Shrewsbury's defeat came as a result of goals conceded seconds before, and two minutes after half-time against the top-six chasing Tykes as they slumped to a third defeat in a row, and seventh in the last 10.

Hurst said his side were "second best for almost the whole game" and he was disappointed not to see more drive from his players.

"It's about fight - that's where I wanted to see more," he said.

"Yes they're a good team, and got in front, but even at 2-0, as daft as it sounds, if you can nick a goal it makes it a nervy end.

"But it didn't feel like we showed enough belief and understanding how to get closer."

Premier League loanees need to be patient

Tommi O'Reilly has played seven times in League One for Shrewsbury Town, including four starts

Hurst also defended his decision not to bring on some of his more creative players as they chased the game.

Loan players Tommi O'Reilly and Charles Sagoe Jr, borrowed from Aston Villa and Arsenal respectively, were left on the bench but Hurst says he felt it was right to leave the 20-year-olds out.

"I didn't think it was anything like a day to put them on. Neither was going to help us on set-plays and I just didn't feel it was that type of game for them," Hurst said.

"If either of these players are the best on the training pitch every day, I'd find it harder to leave people out.

"It's not just those two, and there's nothing personal here, I'm picking a team that I think gives us the best chance of getting a result.

"We're obviously at the wrong end of the table. It was a difficult place potentially for younger players to come and play their football.

"Ultimately, I see things throughout the week that some don't witness and I've had this at various points in my managerial career when suddenly players that aren't on the pitch get a hell of a lot better than the one that are on it and that's not a good sign."