Shrewsbury’s Nationwide League status is hanging in the balance after Kevin Ratcliffe’s side extended their winless run to 12 matches.
Shrews keeper Ian Dunbavin was to blame for the bottom side’s latest capitulation.
Dunbavin's first-half howler gifted midfielder Wade Elliott the winner as Sean O'Driscoll’s promotion chasers kept their faint hopes of clinching a third place finish alive.
Shrewsbury seemed to be heading for a much-needed win when midfielder Sam Aiston opened the scoring after just five minutes.
He seized on defender Neil Young's under-hit back pass before beating Cherries goalkeeper Neil Moss from ten yards out.
Bournemouth drew level just 15 minutes later when Australian striker Scott McDonald netted his first for the club. The former Southampton ace raced onto Steve Fletcher’s throughball before calmly slotting home from midway inside the Shrewsbury penalty area.
Bournemouth’s quick-fire comeback was complete when winger Elliott capitalised on Dunbavin’s amazing gaffe to make it 2-1.
The Shrewsbury skipper found himself red-faced after tripping over the ball leaving the gleeful Elliott to walk it into an empty net.
Shrewsbury boss Ratcliffe still believes his side can still pull off the great escape even though they have just three matches to save their league status.
A defiant Ratcliffe said: "We’ve been in this position before and everyone is confident we can pull through.
“We have three games left and statistically we have to win at least two of them but it is still possible.†Bournemouth manager O’Driscoll added: "That was a good win from us especially after going behind.
“We were disappointed losing a goal so weirdly but I was pleased with the way we responded and once we got out noses in front the lads were determined to make it stick.
“We’ve got two games to go and we will be doing all we can to grab third place but the play-offs look the most likely outcome."