Shrewsbury survival bid boosted by Bradford draw

Shrewsbury collected a valuable point in their battle against relegation as Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro headed a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw against high-flying Bradford.The Bantams were closing in on what would have been a fifth successive 1-0 win until Akpa Akpro nipped in ahead of goalkeeper Ben Williams to head in Mat Sadler's 84th-minute free-kick. Bradford controlled the first half for long stages, forcing a host of corners, but clear-cut scoring opportunities were hard to come by for Phil Parkinson's promotion contenders.Bradford's best chance in the first period fell the way of Billy Clarke after he was picked out by Tony McMahon's free-kick, but the striker's shot on the turn was well saved by goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler.Winger Kyel Reid then set off on a long run from inside his own half but his effort was well blocked by defender Zak Whitbread. Leutwiler made fine saves from Clarke, McMahon and Proctor after the break before Bradford's pressure finally told with a 71st-minute breakthrough. McMahon whipped in a cross from the right and Proctor headed in from eight yards.Shaun Whalley drove narrowly wide at the other end before Akpa Akpro had the final word with Shrewsbury's late leveller to move them two points clear of the bottom four.