A combination of that point and results elsewhere going their way means Gary Steadman's side achieved their aim with a game still to go.

Shields finish their season tomorrow night with the reverse fixture against Bedlington, and they will be able to relax now with relegation fears banished.

After a nervy start to the game, Shields created the first opportunity when Simon Fitzpatrick floated in a corner towards Stephen Ramsey, who was only just beaten to the ball by Jonathan Taylor in the Bedlington goal.

Shields were beginning to dominate the game as they took control of the midfield, and Glenn Reay saw his shot shave the outside of the post with the keeper well beaten.

At the other end, Alex Lawson fired a free-kick that was well saved by Simon Parkin in the Shields goal.

But Shields maintained the pressure on the home defence, as Taylor saved from Chris Feasey, Fitzpatrick and Tony Coe.

And on 26 minutes, Shields made their pressure and possession count as Reay's shot was parried by Taylor and fell to Ramsey, who fired home from close range.

The lead was short-lived as Bedlington restored parity 10 minutes later in a rare foray forward which resulted in Brian Dodsworth scrambling the ball into the net at the front post.

Bedlington started the second half on the front foot, pressing Shields back in their own half, and Parkin was twice called into action, the second time saving from point-blank range to deny Dodsworth a second goal.

Shields again began to have the upper hand, and Feasey headed over the bar from close range, while Fitzpatrick also went close with two headers.

Bedlington were still a threat, however, and again Dodsworth was denied by Parkin as he saved a well-struck shot from the edge of the box.

On 78 minutes, veteran striker Dean Gibb replaced Shaun Nicholson, and he had an immediate impact, scoring from close range to give Bedlington a 2-1 advantage.

But the lead was to last only two minutes as Shields levelled the scores when a long throw fell to Jonny Wightman at the back post, and he controlled the ball before rifling a shot past the keeper from 15 yards.

In the final minute of the game, Shields won a free-kick on the edge of the Bedlington box and substitute Wyn Fremlin curled the ball round the defensive wall, only to be denied by a finger-tip save from Taylor.

The game ended 2-2, and Shields had gained the point required to ensure safety.