Magpies claim point

Last updated : 24 March 2008 By Footymad Previewer
Shrewsbury Town brought their Easter programme to a close with a goalless home draw against lowly Notts County and duly registered the unwanted statistic of having only recorded one win between Boxing Day and Easter Monday.

While the home side were dominant throughout and often impressive, particularly in the second half, struggling Shrewsbury stretched their winless run to 12 matches and since Christmas they have won only once in 17 outings.

They did, however, create enough opportunities to win this encounter, but
Silk... Came close with drive
were thwarted by a fine display from Notts keeper Russell Hoult as the Meadow Lane outfit hung on for a precious point in their bid for Football League survival.

After a low-key opening during which a snow storm and swirling wind made playing conditions difficult, Shrewsbury gradually gained the upper hand and on 27 minutes an in-swinging corner from Kevin McIntyre struck the near post.

With the ball only partially cleared a goalbound shot from skipper Ben Davies hit a County defender and rebounded to safety.

On the stroke of half-time Notts midfielder Gary Silk had a fierce 20-yarder palmed over by Shrews' goalkeeper Glyn Garner, but for much of the second half Garner was to be a virtual spectator as Town put the home side under constant pressure.

Twelve minutes from time winger Steve Leslie fired just a fraction wide and in the 86th minute County were indebted to defender Paul Mayo, who blocked a James Constable effort on the line following a goalmouth scramble, as Town desperately sought a winner.

In the final seconds of injury time they almost managed it, when Leslie dispatched a fizzing drive from the edge of the box.

But Hoult was equal to it and saved acrobatically as Notts secured a point that inched them closer to safety.