Barnett rescues Shrewsbury

Substitute Tyrone Barnett scored a fine late equaliser to preserve Shrewsbury's unbeaten home record with a 1-1 draw with Southend.

Barnett, signed from Peterborough earlier this week, reacted quickest when goalkeeper Daniel Bentley dropped the ball just outside his penalty area to instinctively hook a first time angled shot to the top corner of the net. Shrewsbury were unable to accept an excellent chance to take the lead as early as the second minute. Mickey Demetriou's cross from the left sat up invitingly for Bobby Grant but the midfielder, on loan from Blackpool, fired just wide from 12 yards. Southend quickly created a decent opportunity of their own when John White's cross from the right was headed goalwards by Joe Pigott but Jayson Leutwiler saved well at the foot of his far post. Leutwiler then got behind an Adam Thompson volley as the first half ended goalless. Southend, who have won more away games than any team in League Two this season, took the lead in the 54th minute. Michael Timlin's quick free-kick picked out Jack Payne and he skilfully beat a defender before firing a fine shot to the top corner of the net from a narrow angle. Connor Goldson came close to an equaliser when his header was well saved by Bentley, but eventually debutant Barnett obliged to ensure the points were shared at the Greenhous Meadow.