A missed penalty cost Shrewsbury Town the chance of claiming the Championship scalp of Coventry City.

But on the night he returned to the Town dug-out after a 26-year absence, Graham Turner would have left the Greenhous Meadow quietly confident his squad are progressing smoothly towards big kick-off in 10 days.

While drawing substantial conclusions from pre-season is always tricky, there was a host of encouraging signs in a performance where the patient, passing style boss Turner is preaching was evident.

There was an impressive solidity about Shrewsbury defensively, with new-boys Ian Sharps, David Raven and Mat Sadler all catching the eye in a back four which also contained trialist Dan Smith.

At the other end of the pitch, Matt Harrold showed all the credentials of a target man which suggest he will prove a vital cog in the Town machinery in the gruelling months ahead.

And the display of strike partner Jake Robinson hinted at a renewed spark and vigour in the former Brighton forward after a frustrating opening season at Shrewsbury.

It was a penetrating run from Robinson which produced the penalty, forcing a trip from Coventry midfielder Michael Doyle when he burst into the box on 59 minutes.

But Steve Leslie’s penalty lacked for both power and precision and allowed Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood to make a comfortable save.

Robinson had twice gone close in the opening half hour, the second opportunity a golden chance after a slick one-two with Harrold had opened up the Coventry defence.

In contrast, the Sky Blues struggled to break through a well-drilled Town backline, their best first half opening coming when Lucas Jutkiewicz – a new recruit from Everton – headed a cross from former Wolves forward Freddie Eastwood just wide.

Despite a host of changes from both teams, chances continued to come after the break.

Kevin McIntyre and Leslie both went close from distance, while Leslie also saw a back post header deflected just wide after a dangerous cross from Mark Wright, another debutant who could be happy with his night’s work.

Coventry’s first shot on target came with a powder-puff effort from Lee Carsley on 59 minutes, although Chris Neal had to be alert to keep out a swirling Doyle effort from 25 yards shortly after.

But the final opportunity went to Shrewsbury — for whom Tom Bradshaw produced a lively cameo on his 18th birthday — when Lewis Neal forced Coventry’s substitute goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas into a diving save with an effort from distance.

No goals, but a host of positives.

By JAMES GARRISON