Shrewsbury extended their unbeaten run to three games thanks to on loan winger John McGrath following a hard fought 2-2 draw against a well-organised and competent Bury side.
In what Shrews boss Jimmy Quinn described as their biggest game of the season, the Shrews started off poorly and it was no surprise when Bury took the lead after 16 minutes.
David Flitcroft took a quick corner which evaded the Shrews defence and Dwayne Mattis scored with a far post header.
The Shrews best chance in the first half came from Stuart Whitehead whose powerful header from a McGrath free-kick was acrobatically tipped over the bar by the Bury keeper.
The second half saw no change in Town's fortunes and a strong run by Mattis set up an easy chance for Nugent to score in the 54th minute.
Shrews boss Quinn rang the changes on the hour and Shrewsbury, showing the spirit and determination that got them through the Conference play-offs, slowly worked their way back into the game.
In the 70th minute a McGrath free-kick was converted by Darren Moss to put Town back in the game.
In the 76th minute Dave Challinor was forced by the challenge of Darren Tinson to put McGrath's corner into his own net.
A rash challenge by Sam Aiston didn't help Town's cause as he was dismissed in the 79th minute, but the 10 men of Shrewsbury hang on to claim a well-earned point.