91Èȱ¬

Relegation battlers Shrewsbury came from behind to draw with Crewe in the Midlands derby at Gresty Road.

Byron Moore gave the Alex an early lead when he drove into the far corner after being slipped in by AJ Leitch-Smith.

But Luke Summerfield headed Shrewsbury level when he was left unmarked to direct Marvin Morgan's 28th-minute delivery into the bottom corner.

Nathan Ellington came close to earning Crewe a first win in three home games when his late header hit the bar.

On his debut after signing for the Railwaymen on a short-term deal a week ago, Ellington almost provided the decisive touch in a goalmouth scramble.

Shrewsbury also had to rely on the excellence of Chris Weale, who made a string of second-half saves.

But Crewe were nearly caught out by a swift Shrewsbury counter attack that almost produced a fourth goal in five games for Bolton loan man Tom Eaves, who was denied by Alex keeper Steve Phillips, who came smartly off his line.

And, after substitute Ellington went close to stealing victory, Shrewsbury then had a late penalty appeal turned down after Rob Purdie was felled in the box.

Town are now eight points clear of trouble with seven games left, but 21st-placed Oldham, who they host next Saturday, have two matches in hand.

Johnstone's Paint Trophy finalists Crewe, who have 10 games left, are now 12 points adrift of the play-offs.

Shrewsbury Town manager Graham Turner told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Shropshire:

"Four points from our last two away matches has been a good return, so we have to pleased coming back to get a result after falling behind.

"We played well. Our shape was good and we stopped them becoming a threat up front.

"The longer the game went on, we allowed Crewe far too much room - particularly in the second half which could have been costly."