Shrewsbury gained a valuable 2-1 win at Rotherham to help their bid to stave off relegation.

John Marquis swept in the decisive goal in the 77th minute, just a minute after Rotherham had levelled the scores, as Gareth Ainsworth’s Shrews moved to within four points of safety.

The only chance of a forgettable first half fell the way of Shrewsbury defender Josh Feeney but his header from Mal Benning’s wicked delivery was kept out by Dillon Phillips.

The next chance came for the visitors again with a scramble in the box falling to Marquis, who scooped his effort onto the woodwork and over.

Shrewsbury broke the deadlock in the 68th minute after Marquis’ shot was saved, with Taylor Perry guiding the rebound into the top corner.

Rotherham’s half-time substitute Jordan Hugill almost got on the scoresheet but was denied by a stunning diving stop from Jamal Blackman.

However, he could not keep out Hakeem Odoffin’s powerful 76th-minute header which restored parity.

But Shrewsbury responded swiftly and were ahead again straight from the restart with Marquis scoring from Perry’s centre.