Having been thrashed 7-0 at Bolton Wanderers oN Saturday, a result that was the worst defeat for the club in 65 years, Exeter were much improved at St James Park on Tuesday night. But while they were solid defensively and never looked like conceding, in truth, the game, between the sides with the second worst goalscoring records in League One this season, had 0-0 written all over it from kick-off.

Reece Cole struck the post with a curling 25 yard free-kick for the Grecians in their best effort of the night. Dan Udah wasted two late chances to win it for Salop – once firing into the side netting and one being denied by Vil Sinisalo from two one-on-ones.

It is now ten without a win for City – the worst run now since November 2000-January 2001 – and it only two goals scored and two points gained in that run – with City only finding the net in five of their last 16 games, and have only scored five in nine on home turf this year.

Shrewsbury, who despite only having scored 12 goals in 20 games, and once away from home since August, stayed 12 ^th with the point that looked happy to come away with. Exeter remain 20 ^th , but now have a two point cushion to the relegation zone.

“It was a step in the right direction,” Caldwell said post-match. “In terms of character and fight and showing they care about the club, it was there 100 per cent. The quality can be better but after the second half performance and the result on Saturday, we have seen a reaction.

“We created half chances without really looking like we would score but it was an improvement and something we can build on. It is not a lack of quality, a lack of belief. We have to support them and get behind them and when the opportunities go in and the belief comes back, we know how good they can be.