Town 2 Dagenham 0 - Report and pictures
Shrewsbury Town are just one point off the League Two summit with six games to go after a comfortable 2-0 home win over Dagenham & Redbridge.
Connor Goldson scored both of Town's goals to earn a straight forward victory.
And leaders Burton Albion could only draw with Plymouth, allowing Micky Mellon's side to erode their lead to the smallest of margins.
Town started the game with real purpose, but the visitors almost went ahead inside 12 minutes from a rasping Scott Doe strike.
The defender left fly from 25 yards but his fine effort just whistled past the far post, with goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler at full stretch.
But the hosts went ahead just six minutes later from a thumping Goldson header.
The former youth team stopper rose highest to meet Liam Lawrence's excellent corner-kick delivery, giving goalkeeper Mark Cousins no chance to save.
The same players combined again just four minutes later, as Goldson guided home a deep Lawrence free-kick into the far corner of the net to double their lead.
It could have got even better for Town before half time as Mickey Demetriou, Ryan Woods, Jermaine Grandison and James Collins all drew solid saves from the visiting custodian.
An immaculately observed minute's applause took place on the 35th minute in memory of Town fan Nick Mann, who tragically died last weekend.
And Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro went within inches of a Town third with a fine low drive past the post in first-half stoppage time.
Daggers top scorer Jamie Cureton should have reduced the deficit four minutes after the break, slicing wide from a very promising position in the box.
But Cousins had to be alert to deny Collins' 30 yard volley at the other end soon afterwards.
Substitute Tyrone Barnett could have made it 3-0 13 minutes from time, but could only head just over the bar from a terrific Demetriou cross.
He again went close with a strong effort from a tight angle three minutes from time but again narrowly missed the target.
