Boss Gary Steadman was without six regular players for the trip to Hillheads, but his side still gave a very good account of themselves against one of the teams fancied for the title this season.

Bay started the brighter of the two sides, but goal-scoring opportunities were at a premium as both defences proved to be inpenetrable.

Paul Robinson saw his 20-yard shot hit the post and was scrambled to safety by the Shields defence.

On 26 minutes Whitley Bay were offered a gilt-edged opportunity to take the lead as they were awarded a penalty when goalkeeper Andy Clark was adjudged to have fouled Lee Kerr in the box.

Jarrow-based Kerr stepped forward to take the spot kick, firing the ball towards the bottom left of the goal, but Clark made a superb save to keep the scores level.

Shields's Mark Johnson saw his shot cleared by the home defence, before Willie Crew shot wide of the post.

Bay started the second half on the front foot, and former Roofing striker Paul Chow brought a superb save from Clark in the Shields goal with a volley from the angle of the box.

Shields began to impose their authority on the game, and former Mariners keeper Terry Burke saved from Lee Paul Scroggins and Lee O'Donovan.

With 10 minutes to play, Shields were dealt a harsh blow as Mark Minto scrambled the ball into the visitors' goal from close range despite handball appeals.

In the last 10 minutes, Shields threw everything at the Bay defence, but the home side hung on for the victory.

SHIELDS: Clark, O'Neil, Davis, Rodenby, Oates, O'Donovan, Coe, Scroggins, Johnson, Crew (Wightman 65), Addison.