Rarely can there have been a more memorable weekend for the Shrewsbury Town goalkeeping union.

If Friday night was Joe Hart’s moment to confirm himself as England’s No 1 for potentially the next decade and beyond, then Saturday was the afternoon Chris Neal’s Shrewsbury career had been desperately craving.

The 24-year-old’s inspired showing against Rotherham – in what must be remembered was only the 22nd senior start of his career – was the undoubted pick of his performances in a Town shirt.

Blighted by injuries last season, Neal must have wondered whether a sustained run in the Town first team would ever come his way.

But an injury to start-of-the-season first choice Ben Smith opened the door and Neal has – literally – grabbed his chance with both hands.

His string of second half saves, which helped inflict a first defeat of the season on visiting Rotherham, could well ensure this was the afternoon Neal truly arrived as a Shrewsbury goalkeeper,

And the former Preston reserve had to be at his best in a second half when Town were pushed to the limits by an impressive Rotherham side who again look destined to contest the promotion places.

If the first half display from Turner’s men had more than its share of attacking promise – highlighted by the fourth minute winner from Lionel Ainsworth – the rearguard action was in full flow after the break, and Neal came into his own.

Assured for the opening hour, the Town goalkeeper made a handful of quality saves to preserve his side’s lead during the frantic and tense closing stages.

Two in quick succession from Adam Le Fondre and substitute Paul Warne were particularly impressive, while he also kept out long distance efforts from Jason Taylor and Nicky Law, the latter a well struck free-kick in injury time.

Rotherham were also, correctly, to have a goal disallowed for a foul by Warne on the goalkeeper before Kevin Ellison slotted home from close range.

If Neal deservedly took the accolades, Shrewsbury’s outfield players also deserve credit for the second half backs-to-the-wall effort.

Turner would, no doubt, have preferred to see his side retain the ball with their usual crispness after the break, enabling them to defend higher up the pitch and release the pressure.

But the Town boss will also be encouraged that when his side weren’t at their best in possession, his team were willing to put their bodies on the line, dig deep and show the resilience required to secure a vital victory.

If the second period left Rotherham wondering quite how they left the Greenhous Meadow empty-handed, there was little doubt Town were worthy of a half-time advantage.

The goal itself highlighted the penetrating attacking football Turner is desperate to make his team’s philosophy, Craig Disley playing a neat one-two with the impressive Mark Wright before driving to the by-line and pulling back for Ainsworth to slot home from close range.

Ainsworth was to also go close with two other long-range efforts while Ian Sharps – against his former club – and Sean McAllister both had half chances to double the lead.

But Shrewsbury couldn’t muster that all-important second goal and an impressive Rotherham surge led to a fraught second half for the majority of a 6,000 plus crowd.

The hosts, however, held on with Neal playing an integral part to ensure an excellent weekend for Town’s goalkeepers past and present.

Hart’s England appearance against Bulgaria gave Shrewsbury 500,000 reasons to smile.

But the victory which took them top of League Two less than 24 hours later meant just as much.

Match analysis by JAMES GARRISON