Mansfield Town slid deeper into the relegation mire on Easter Monday after losing 1-0 at home to promotion-chasing Shrewsbury Town, despite a vastly improved performance.

Former Stags’ star Liam Lawrence did the damage with a deflected cross five minutes into the second-half that was bundled in by substitute Tyrone Barnett. It was enough to secure the visitors’ fifth successive win.

The Stags dominated the rest of the match, but could create only half-chances that went begging as they again failed to score.

The home side created the best chance of a cagey opening 25 minutes. Reggie Lambe’s lofted pass put Jack Thomas clear of the back four, but with defenders at his heels the midfielder’s hurried finish was too high.

Shrewsbury, looking to go top of the table, were the more inventive going forward.

However, the visitors had to withstand several anxious moments as the Stags, prompted by the energetic Jack Thomas and Jamie McGuire, created half-chances.

Thomas’ hopeful 35-yard drive was acrobatically held by Jayson Leutwiler, the only save either keeper had to make in the first half.

However, five minutes into the second half Shrewsbury, who had looked more purposeful from the kick-off, grabbed the lead to undo all the Stags’ good work in the first period.

Lawrence’s deflected cross left keeper Lenny Pidgeley stranded and half-time substitute Barnett bundled the ball in at the back post.

Mansfield pressed hard for an equaliser and Vadaine Oliver might have done better from a flick-on by Matt Rhead, while Oliver also claimed a penalty when he was brought down by Demetriou.

Thomas’ persistence then created another half-chance for Chris Clements, but his shot flew wide off the side of his boot.

Seven minutes from time substitute Rakish Bingham miskicked another Rhead flick-on with just the keeper to beat.