PEP Clotet said it was important Oxford United ground out a draw without playing well against Shrewsbury Town.

The U’s struggled to get going at the Kassam Stadium, with the visitors, who are still unbeaten, creating the better chances throughout.

Gino van Kessel scored from close range to put Clotet’s side ahead with 15 minutes remaining.

But their lead did not last long and Stefan Payne, who should have won the game late on, struck to earn Shrewsbury a deserved point.

Clotet, although not happy to draw, saw the positives.

He said: “We are all disappointed with the result when you don’t take the three points from a game at home.

“But we know every point matters and at the end of the season little points make the difference.

“It was a hard game for both sides.

“They were coming here on a really good moment after a strong start in the league and they thought they could get the win.

“We made it as difficult as we could and, even though we did not have a good game, we managed to take a point.”

Referee Nicholas Kinseley was faced with three big decisions.

He waved away penalty shouts on United’s Mike Williamson and Shrewsbury’s Shaun Whalley.

The visitors also thought they had taken the lead, when Carlton Morris’s shot looked like it could have landed over the line, before bouncing up and hitting the bar.

Shrews manager Paul Hurst said: “We should have had a penalty in the first half, I’ve looked back at it and I’ve no doubt whatsoever it should have been a penalty.

“We then have the goal that is clearly over the line, I’ve watched that back, the assistant referee is in a good position.”