Holt opened the scoring for Shrewsbury with a penalty

Shrewsbury missed the chance to move in the top three as they were held to a draw by Chester at the Deva Stadium.

The visitors took the lead in the 28th minute when they were awarded a controversial penalty, which Grant Holt converted with ease.

But Chester hit back in the 43rd minute when Ryan Lowe's right-wing cross was skillfully guided in by Paul McManus.

The Shrews then hit the post twice in the space of a minute in the second half but could not find a winner.

Chester manager Simon Davies told BBC Radio Merseyside:

"But I felt our fitness came through in the end and we could've nicked one. It was finely balanced and we have to take a lot from that."

Chester: Danby, James Vaughan, Linwood, Roberts, Wilson, Mozika, Stephen Vaughan, Hughes, McManus (Partridge 90), Lowe (Taylor 90), Ellison.
Subs Not Used: Barry, Harris, Rutherford.

Booked: Mozika, Ellison.

Goals: McManus 43.

Shrewsbury: Daniels, Herd, Jackson, Coughlan (Langmead 36), Tierney, Thornton, Cansdell-Sherriff (Humphrey 69), McIntyre, Davies, Holt, Hibbert (Walker 81).
Subs Not Used: Garner, Ashton.

Booked: McIntyre, Cansdell-Sherriff, Herd, Jackson.

Goals: Holt 29 pen.

Att: 2,891

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).