Macclesfield Town flattered only to deceive, as they were twice caught on the break by hard working Shrewsbury.
The home side dominated the game carving out a succession of chances but once again lacked the clinical finishing that their fluid play deserved.
Manager David Moss said: "Inconsistency has been the story of our season. We shot ourselves in the foot by giving away two goals.
"However I can't have a go at the team. I've only got 17 or 18 players to choose from and I need their confidence to be high for next week." Beaming Shrews manager Kevin Ratcliffe had a different story: "Our togetherness was the key today and if we can maintain this four game unbeaten run then I know we can begin to challenge.
"Ian Dunbavin, Matt Redmile and Nigel Jemson were outstanding for me today," he added.
The Shrews opener was hotly contested by Moss, who was adamant that Ryan Lowe had been offside as he thumped home a header from Jemson.
Macclesfield then wasted a succession of chances to equalise, with Danny Whitaker, Michael Welch, and Kyle Lightbourne all narrowly failing in front of goal.
They were made to pay in the 63rd minute when a horrendous gaff by young centre back Welch allowed Ian Woan to drill home the second.
Matthew Tipton then hit the post but Macclesfield continued to be frustrated, athough they did set up a tense last ten minutes when Whitaker pounced on a mistake by David Artell to score his eighth of the season.
Manager Moss said: "Michael Welch will have to hold his hand up for that second goal. It was an awful mistake." Likewise Kevin Ratcliffe added: "David Artell made a dreadful mistake for their goal but the ball did swerve two or three ways in the air and in the end I was just delighted to have the three points."