DAVE Artell insists Crewe will continue to improve after Mikael Mandron hit back to earn a point at the Montgomery Waters Meadow.

While the Alex are still seeking their first success of the season in League One, their manager was satisfied to see "new relationships" forming on pitch as he handed league debuts to new recruits Scott Kashket, Scott Robertson and J'Neil Bennett.

Kashket posed an early threat, but it was Mandron who did the business when he latched onto a through ball and clipped a finish over Salop keeper Marko Marosi for Crewe's 44th-minute equaliser.

They had fallen behind in the 19th minute when Sam Cosgrove finished off Luke Leahy's cross.

An open game could have gone either way with both sides having chances in the closing stages, but Artell admitted: "The draw was fair although we are disappointed not to win the game.

"It's a results business although irrespective of the result we have played far better than we have been doing. We have seen relationships forming between the players and it is coming together."

"In the second half I thought a goal might come if we keep the intensity up, but it didn't - however that is an improvement."

Donervon Daniels blasted over before the Shrews went ahead. Will Jaaskelainen ensured Crewe didn't fall further behind by thwarting one-time Alex loanee Elliott Benett.

After the break Kashket and J'Neil Bennett threatened for Crewe, although they survived a scare when Ryan Bowman wasted a stoppage-time chance to win it for the hosts.

Shrews boss Steve Cotterill said: "It was a hard-fought game and a draw ends up being a fair result. It was pleasing to score first for the first time, it was just a pity that we didn't get another to build on that."