Shrewsbury lived to fight another day in League One after a 1-1 draw at Lincoln City.
Michael Appleton's side would have been sent down had they lost at Sincil Bank, or Bristol Rovers had matched their result.
But they fought from behind to earn a point at Lincoln while Rovers were beaten by Exeter.
It would have been a cruel way to be relegated, with former Shrews midfielder Tom Bayliss putting the hosts ahead after just four minutes.
There were muted celebrations after Bayliss picked up the ball in the visitors' half and coolly slotted into the far corner.
John Marquis squandered a chance for Shrews when he fired straight at George Wellens but Aaron Pierre levelled in the 23rd minute as his deflected strike, following a scramble, nestled in the corner.
Reeco Hackett should have done better when he fired wide on the half-hour.
After the break, Dominic Gape tested Imps stopper Wellens from distance as the keeper tipped his effort over.
Lewis Montsma should have wrapped it up for the hosts when he struck over at the back post.
Match report supplied by PA Media.
