Experienced midfielder Paul Murray believes Shrewsbury Town’s last gasp leveller against Bury can be the launchpad for a sustained promotion challenge.

Town fell behind for the fifth successive home game on Saturday, but bounced back to salvage an important point following a 90th minute header by skipper Graham Coughlan.

That goal kept Shrewsbury in the play-off positions, and Murray is confident Town can now push on during the coming weeks – starting with tomorrow night’s trip to Hereford.

“Getting that equaliser is a really significant boost for us,” he said.

“I remember Exeter doing the same last here season when Marcus Stewart scored in the 89th minute.

“It was a bit later on in the season but they didn’t look back from that moment on and got automatic promotion.

“I think we can take a lot from Saturday. They had one shot at goal in the first half and a good chance in the second half and that was it.

“They are right up there and touted to be promotion favourites, as well as we are.

“I thought we outplayed them and deserved the three points.”

Manager Paul Simpson, meanwhile, was delighted with the character shown by his team after falling a goal behind.

“We showed great determination and a willingness to pass and run,” said Simpson.

“I think we deserved something out of it for the way we kept plugging away.”

But the Town boss admitted his team’s delivery into the box – both from open play and set pieces – needed improvement.

“We work on crossing and set pieces in training, and on Friday the delivery was outstanding,” added Simpson.

“We came out on Saturday and it wasn’t good enough so were losing opportunities to put a ball into the dangerous area.

“We need to have the bottle and character to deliver it when it matters on a Saturday.”

By JAMES GARRISON