Taylor Perry goal means Shrewsbury continue their climb away from danger

Improving Shrewsbury made it three straight league wins for the first time in more than three years as Taylor Perry’s second-half goal put a dent in Notts County’s promotion hopes.

County missed the chance to fire themselves into the top three as the hosts maintained their seven-point cushion over the relegation zone with a 1-0 home win.

Shrews’ stopper Matt Cox was forced into a good early save from Lewis Macari’s header after he escaped his marker to meet Jodi Jones’ corner.

Cox was alert to the danger as he got down low to keep out Jones’ free-kick, which was struck under the wall.

At the other end, James Belshaw did well to keep out Iwan Morgan’s effort in the 35th minute.

Shortly after the restart, Belshaw produced a brilliant stop to keep out Josh Ruffels’ header.

However, there was nothing the goalkeeper could do to stop Taylor Perry smashing home after Morgan’s long throw eventually fell to him in the box in the 54th minute.

It was almost two on the hour when Belshaw parried away Morgan’s strike after the Welshman pounced on a poor Matt Platt pass.

There was a worry at the end for Gavin Cowan’s hosts when Cox spilled a long-range Platt drive, before recovering in the nick of time.