Early pacesetters Rushden & Diamonds maintained their unbeaten start to the new campaign at Shrewsbury Town, coming from behind to draw 1-1 despite playing the last 17 minutes with ten men following the dismissal of defender Andy Sambrook.
This highly entertaining encounter came to the boil between the 70th and 75th minutes, producing two goals a red card and a saved penalty.
Livewire Shrewsbury striker Luke Rodgers broke the deadlock on 70 minutes with a superb solo strike to take his tally for the season to four. But no sooner had the home side gone in front than Rushden drew level, Duane Derby levelling with a glancing header just 90 seconds later.
But in the 74th minute, Diamonds right-back Sambrook was caught in possession by Rodgers and as he closed in on goal, Sambrook sent him crashing to the floor. Referee Warren pointed to the penalty spot and as Sambrook was the last defender, he was shown the red card.
Up stepped Shrewsbury skipper Nigel Jemson to take the ensuing spot-kick, but his effort was superbly saved by Rushden keeper Billy Turley, to ultimately secure his side a point.
After doing the double over Shrewsbury last term and heading Division Three already, Rushden arrived at Gay Meadow in confident mood.
But although Brian Talbot's men showed some nice touches going forward, it was Shrewsbury who created the most clear cut openings with Rodgers, Ian Woan and central defender Mick Heathcote all going close to putting Shrewsbury ahead.
Just 60 seconds after the break Rodgers crashed a shot against the visitors' bar with Rushden then grateful to Turley for a fine point-blank save that denied a close-range Heathcote header.
Then came those amazing five minutes that left everybody breathless and left ten-man Rushden happy to play out time to ensure a share of the spoils