Shrewsbury Town visit the Britannia Stadium tomorrow night for the first time since edging out Aldershot to seal an immediate return to the Football League writes James Garrison.

Some six years on from that Nationwide Conference play-off final and at one level higher, the two teams could find themselves as promotion rivals once again.

The early season evidence, backed up by Saturday’s 1-1 draw at the Greenhous Meadow, suggests both sides can be marked down as potential contenders during the gruelling months which lie ahead.

On balance, the share of the spoils was a fair outcome in an absorbing encounter  which had the late twist of the dismissal of Town striker Matt Harrold.

Shrewsbury will be satisfied with their display. The heights of Bradfo­rd and Chartlon weren’t reached on a day when the hosts passing game didn’t click into top gear.

But, for the much part, Town were defensively strong and – aided by a tenacious display from midfielder Sean McAllister – posed the majority of the questions during the opening 20 minutes and the second period.

It was a day when Graham Turner’s side also proved they have the capability to turn around a potentially threatening situation.

At one stage – in the period between Anthony Charles’ leveller to an Ian Sharps opener and half time – the visitors threatened to take control.

Aldershot’s numerical advantage in midfield was being reflected in possession and the lively Marvin Morgan and the classy and string-pulling Glenn Little were becoming increasingly influential figures.

But a tactical reshuffle from Turner – taken on board by his players – redressed the balance.

The introduction of Steve Leslie as an extra midfielder at the expense of striker Jake Robinson limited the Aldershot threat, as well as increasing the involvement of Town’s wing duo Lionel Ainsworth and Mark Wright.

Ainsworth was to go close twice at the start of the second period, while Harrold also directed a header straight at Jamie Young in the Aldershot goal.

But Shrewsbury couldn’t force the winner which would have etched their place in history as the first Town team to ever start the season with four straight victories.

In truth, the bulk of the goalmouth action arrived in an entertaining first half.

Harrold had already forced Young into two smart saves before Sharps gave Shrewsbury a 29th minute lead, the captain impressively directing a difficult header into the corner of the net after getting on the end of a Mark Wright free-kick.

But Town’s delight at taking the lead quickly evaporated with an Aldershot leveller just two minutes later when Charles drove a shot from 10 yards through a crowded penalty area and past Chris Neal after Morgan had nodded down a corner.

Both sides enjoyed half chances from that moment on, although Shrewsbury couldn’t must the moment of inspiration required to break through a well organised Aldershot defence which included another durable display from the returning Ben Herd.

The afternoon was to end on a sour note for Harrold who, having been mysteriously booked for what appeared an innocuous tackle on Darren Jones 14 minutes earlier, arrived late for a challenge on  Charles to earn a second caution in injury time.

It will rule the target man out of tomorrow’s trip to the land of the giants at Stoke, but he will return for the weekend clash with Stockport and old boss Paul  Simpson.

An interesting week lies ahead, one Shrewsbury should approach with a degree of confidence after a satisfying day at the office maintained the unbeaten start.