Hereford United will once again have to see off the challenge of their play-off conquerors Aldershot Town next season after the Hampshire side lost their bid for a place back in the Football League to Shrewsbury Town.

And, in a final unkind twist of fate to the Bulls, the Shots, who overcame United on penalties to progress to the final at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium on Sunday, were beaten in a shoot-out after failing to convert any of their three attempts from the spot.

Aldershot had taken the lead through Aaron McLean in the 35th minute but Shrewsbury hit back before the interval to level through veteran Duane Darby.

Both sides moved nervously into extra-time when either might have clinched victory in the closing stages with Aldershot's Lee Charles heading a glorious chance into the ground and over the bar and Jamie Tolley seeing a good effort well saved by Shots keeper Nikki Bull.

In the shoot-out, Luke Rodgers blasted Shrews-bury's first penalty over the bar before Town goalkeeper Scott Howie attained hero's status.

He saved from Tim Sills, Chris Giles and Jamie Gosling - all of whom netted against United in the semi-final - to enable Trevor Challis to earn Shrewsbury a place back in the league at the first attempt with his successful kick.

Shrewsbury are managed by former Hereford striker Jimmy Quinn and one of the Shrews' other successful penalties was converted by Jake Sedge-more, who also spent a short time at Edgar Street.