But the Mariners went down 2-1, and go into Tuesday night's home friendly against Ryhope CW (7pm) still looking for their first pre-season win.

The game against the Northern League Division 2 side started at a lively pace, with some tough tackling from both sides.

It took 30 minutes for Shields to create their first chance of the game, a superb cross from David Graham on the left being met by Marc Brocklehurst, who steered past the keeper to make it 1-0 to the Mariners.

It was a deserved goal for Brocklehurst, who was a handful for the Birtley defence.

The score remained at 1-0 going into the half-time break, and Shields made seven changes at half-time, with club captain Lee Paul Scroggins among the players introduced to the game.

Five minutes into the second half Shields won a free-kick 25 yards out, which David Graham struck narrowly over.

The half remained a scrappy affair, with few chances created by either side.

But Birtley did improve the longer the game went on, and equalised with five minutes left a superb volley from 15 yards leaving Simon Parkin no chance.

Birtley's confidence was high, and on the stroke of full-time Birtley took the lead with a low shot from inside the box.