James Collins’ 88th minute solo effort capped a stand-out individual performance and in the process brought an end to Stevenage’s fine unbeaten run as Boro lost 3-2 at promotion-chasing Shrewsbury.

The Shrews’ defence had been in unforgiving mood of late, having not conceded at Greenhaus Meadow since a 2-1 win over Portsmouth at the end of October.

That was until Adam Marriott breached the backline and rifled home in the fourth minute to put Boro ahead.

Two home goals in three minutes soon turned the tide of the game though.

First, Collins made use of space in the box to drill Shrewsbury level and with Stevenage reeling, they forged ahead.

Then, the striker was tripped in the box, with Liam Lawrence tucking away the resulting spot kick.

The hosts, boasting an unbeaten home league record this campaign, slowly turned the screw on their guests but found keeper Chris Day in imperious form.

And three minutes before the interval, Dean Wells popped up in prime position at the back post to volley Boro level.

A fiery atmosphere mellowed slightly in the second half as both sidestenaciously battled to grab a winner.

Mark Ellis thought he had done enough with a header from a corner midway through the half but was denied by yet another Day stop.

Boro thought they were to be only the third side this season to come away from Shropshire with a point but Collins’ charge into the box caught the Stevenage backline off-guard and he slotted home expertly.

Boro’s six-game unbeaten run was over.