A late goal from young centre half George Edmondson rescued a point for Latics in their reserves fixture this afternoon, played at Chapel Road.
Rhys Turner gave the home side an early advantage but two goals in either half gave the Shrews a 2-1 lead before Edmondson equalised two minutes from time.The game started evenly with both sides having good opportunities. Latics goalkeeper Joel Coleman had to be alert to tip over a rasping drive and soon after, the home side took the lead.
A long ball through from David Mellor wasn't dealt with in the Shrewsbury defence and Turner pounced to round the goalkeeper and simply tap home from two yards.
The goal seemed to kick the visitors into life as they started to force some pressure on Latics.
They made that pressure count on the half hour mark as Shrewsbury equalised. A low corner was driven into the box and the striker stole a march on the defender to drive home a shot into the bottom corner.
Turner continued to pose a threat to the Shrews back four, finding space and threatening the defenders.
Just after half time, Kyle Hardman went dangerously close to putting Latics back ahead but his volley just dragged wide of the goal.
Athletic would rue that missed chance as the visitors were awarded a penalty on the hour mark. Glenn Belezika was adjudged to have fouled a striker and he picked himself up to send Coleman the wrong way and put the Shrews ahead.
The visitors started to take control but Latics goalkeeper Coleman was in inspired form, pulling off some good saves to deny the opposition.
With only three minutes of the game remaining, Edmondson pounced on a loose ball to level the scores. John Pritchard's free kick was wonderfully saved by the Shrews goalkeeper but the defender followed up to rescue a point for the home side.
First team coach Paul Murray believed the players put in a good performance. He said: "I thought we did very well. The attitude of the players was positive and that's what I asked of the players before the game. They played some good stuff first half and we had good spirit in the second."
Turner caught the eye of the spectators and the coach was impressed with the striker's performance.
"He can make really good runs behind the defence and we need to look for that a bit more," commented the 37-year-old. "He looks a threat and obviously he's got a goal in him so he's an exciting talent for us."