Exeter and Shrewsbury cancelled each other out in an uninspiring goalless draw at St James Park.
Despite a good start from the Grecians, it was the visitors that came closest to opening the scoring in the 10th minute.
Tom Bayliss brought a cross down superbly well, got past Exeter’s centre-backs with a superb first touch, but fired his shot against the crossbar from eight yards.
Joe White shot straight at Shrewsbury goalkeeper Marko Marosi from 20 yards as Exeter responded well, before the Newcastle youngster curled another effort high over the bar.
Exeter debutant Kevin McDonald forced a superb save from Marosi with a curling 20-yard shot that looked destined for the top corner, while Elliott Bennett sent a free-kick narrowly wide of Gary Woods’ near post and Christian Saydee screwed an effort wide from close range for Shrewsbury.
The second half was devoid of chances, although Bayliss curled a good chance over the bar for Shrewsbury, while Marosi made a stunning point-blank save to keep out Alex Hartridge’s header.
The away side slowed the game down as they looked content with a point, while Exeter huffed and puffed but showed little in the way of quality in front of goal.
