IT was honours even at the Montgomery Waters Meadow with David Templeton’s header earning the Brewers a 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury.
The Brewers were unchanged, fielding the same starting line-up that inflicted a 2-0 defeat on AFC Wimbledon a week before. Although there was a change in formation with Albion opting for Scott Fraser to sit alongside Stephen Quinn in front of the back four in a 4-2-3-1.
John Brayford, who missed the Wimbledon game through suspension, returned to the squad on the bench with Damien McCrory dropping out of the 18 to make room.
Shrewsbury went into the game third from bottom in the League One table nine points and ten places adrift of Albion.
A hard, bobbly pitch and a swirling wind made playing the Brewers passing game tricky, but Albion still opened brightly and had the first shot of the game from Scott Fraser - on target but easily saved by Steve Arnold.
However, Albion went behind on eight minutes when the Brewers defence was split and Tyrese Campbell found himself with a clean run on goal. After a positive first touch he easily slotted home past the advancing Brad Collins.
Albion were only behind for three minutes when a sweet cross from Stephen Quinn found David Templeton who headed home confidently.
Shaun Whalley should have put the Shrews back in front on 21 minutes after getting behind Stephen Quinn but Collins saved with his legs
Marcus Harness came close for the Brewers with a low left shot that was inches wide on 36 minutes.
Half-time: 1-1
It was a less open game after the break with the first chance falling to Waterfall who headed wide from Whalley’s free kick on 52 minutes.
Brayford came on for Templeton and went to right back pushing Akins further forward.
There was a chance for Akins latching onto a through ball from Harness but shooting wide as Arnold advanced on 72 minutes.
Fraser curled a free kick just over the bar on 80 minutes.
After that neither team looked likely to break the deadlock
Final score: 1-1
Attendance 6,254 - 490 away
Brewers: Collins; Buxton (C); Allen; McFadzean; Fraser; Akins; Templeton; Harness; Quinn; Daniel; Boyce. Subs: Bywater; Brayford (for Templeton – 71); Sbarra; Bradley; Miller (for Harness – 87); Hutchinson; Wallace (for Fraser – 85)
Shrewsbury: Arnold; Williams; Beckles; Whalley; Campbell; Bolton; Gilliead; Waterfall; Gobourne; Norburn (C); Grant Subs: Charles-Cook; Sadler; Okenabirhie (for Gilliead – 77), Smith; Holloway; Sears; Payne (for Campbell – 50)