Shrewsbury manager Graham Turner watched his side stay in touch with League Two's leading pack after seeing off Gillingham 2-0.
Shane Cansdell-Sherriff's thumping volley after half an hour was added to by an unstoppable second from Mark Wright three minutes from time as Shrewsbury gained just their second win in six games in all competitions.
Gillingham took more than an hour to force a save from Shrews goalkeeper Chris Neal and never looked likely to force a comeback.
"The overall performance was very pleasing," said Turner. "We created chances and it should have been more than two goals. We missed one or two good opportunities but it was a good performance.
"Defensively we were strong and attacking-wise, when we had the ball, we passed the ball well for most of the game - and that was against a team that is one place below us in the league.
"I thought it was a comprehensive win, we did well and that should do the confidence the world of good."
© 2012 - 365 Media Group