First half goals from Colin McMenamin and David Walton secured the points for the home side as they turned in their best display of the season to climb into the top half of the table – while teenage goalkeeper Joe Hart added to his growing reputation with a brilliant second half penalty save to keep the Meadow Lane men at bay.
This hugely entertaining encounter, however, ended in uproar and with both sides down to ten men – following a last minute clash between County skipper Julien Baudet (whose penalty had been saved by Hart) and Shrews' striker Kelvin Langmead, who were both ordered off by referee Sutton.
It was County who dominated the opening stages with Michael Edwards, David Pipe and Robert Ullathorne each having efforts go narrowly wide of the Shrewsbury goal, yet it was the home side who were to draw first blood – when they grabbed a 21st minute lead.
Shrewsbury captain and full back Kevin Sharp curled in a free-kick that was met by Colin McMenimen whose neat glancing header gave Town the lead and the Scottish striker his fourth goal of the season.
Although County responded positively, they were rocked again on the stroke of half-time and once more from a Sharp free-kick. This time centre-half Walton powered a header on goal and although County 'keeper Kevin Pilkington dived to save his initial effort, Walton followed up top nod home the rebound.
The drama continued to unfold and on 63 minutes Walton was adjudged to have fouled Notts substitute Andy White as they contested a cross. Referee Sutton pointed directly to the spot – but the ensuing penalty from Baudet was brilliantly saved by Hart, who must surely have impressed the watching scouts, most notably former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers, currently goalkeeping coach at Manchester City.
Right at the death Baudet clearly stamped on Langmead to earn his red card – but in retaliating by pushing Baudet in the chest, Langmead too was shown a red card.