York City thoroughly deserved the three points with a stirring second-half fightback capped with two quality goals, Peter Duffield and Jon Parkin both lobbing keeper Ian Dunbavin from 25 yards.
The home side dominated possession in both halves, but after the break displayed real determination and fighting qualities coming back from a goal down.
The visitors took the lead after 12 minutes. Ian Woan's quality cross from the left eluded defended Gary Hobson and fell at Darren Moss' feet. He quickly cut inside Hobson and slid the ball home under the diving Marlon Beresford from 15 yards.
City dominated possession after falling behind and carved out a number of chances, but failed to hit the target. Captain Chris Brass missed a golden chance when failing to connect from Steve Brackstone's corner from five yards out.
Within a minute of the re-start City were on level terms with Duffield firing home a magnificent volley from 25 yards after his striking partners Parkin and Lee Nogan combined to create the opportunity.
York had further chances to extend their lead. First Parkin headed down for Duffield to fire in a fine effort from 25 yards which brought a great save from Dunbavin. Then Darren Edmondson cut inside from the right flank but as he shaped to shoot defender Matt Redmile intercepted.
City did take the lead after 72 minutes with another exquisite lob. Parkin chased Scott Jones' long clearance and held off the attentions of defender Mick Heathcote before lobbing the keeper from 15 yards.
Nogan was unlucky not to increase City's lead when his fine solo run ended with his goalbound shot being parried around the post by the Shrewsbury keeper.
After the match a disappointed Shrewsbury manager Kevin Ratcliffe described the game as "three points carelessly tossed away."
In contrast delighted City boss Terry Dolan commented that: "In the two games played so far this season, we have come from behind on both occasions and got a draw on Saturday and a win tonight."