Boro boss Smith says team are better than what they showed in second half on Saturday

Gary Smith said his team was a ‘tad fortunate’ at times to stay on level terms with Shrewsbury Town in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the Lamex.

The visitors took the lead in the opening minutes when Chris Day palmed a free-kick into the path of Paul Parry who fired home before Smith’s men pegged them back through Darius Charles’ wonderful solo effort.

The point sees Boro remain unbeaten in League 1 after four matches – two draws, two wins – while next up in the league is a trip to Coventry City this weekend after tomorrow night’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Speaking after Saturday’s draw, Smith said: “Graham [Turner] has got this group in a real good place, they’re a confident looking team. They played to their strengths and they worked to their format very well and there were many occasions today where we were a tad fortunate.

“The goal was a little out of the blue. I thought we started quite brightly. Chris [Day] is disappointed he’s palmed it back into a dangerous area but full credit to the lad following up; it’s a real good finish to lift it over his body.

“Darius’ goal was the biggest highlight of our attacking play of the day. It was a wonderful strike and a good individual effort.”

Asked if his side were off-colour in the second half, Smith said: “Yes, we are all pretty frustrated and disappointed in there. We’re better than we showed in that second period.

“The shape of the group look a little uncertain and lopsided but we’re in that development process.

“I’d like to take more advantage of our own field and I’m sure as we move along we’ll see that. At the moment it is two draws at home two wins away and we’ll look forward to a big game at Coventry with the Johnstone’s Paint in between.”