Shields started the game well, pressing the home defence back into their own half, with Lee Paul Scroggins and Craig Ellison going close.

However, Penrith hit back with a couple of chances of their own.

Jonny Wightman then fired over the bar, with Stephen Ramsey also just off target.

The game continued to be end to end, with Ramsey, Wightman and Scroggins all unlucky not to open the scoring.

In the closing minutes of the half, Penrith went close as Graham Anthony fired a shot wide of the post from 20 yards.

From the clearance Shields won a corner on the right, Ellison floated the ball into the box, and Ramsey rose highest, but headed over.

After the restart, Shields went on the front foot as they sought to break the deadlock.

However, it took 10 minutes before they were able to create a clear opportunity.

Ellison and Tony Stephenson combined to release Tony Coe, but saw his shot turned round the post for a corner that was cleared by the home defence.

A minute later, Shields were awarded a free-kick just inside the Penrith half; Ellison floated the ball into the Penrith box towards Scroggins, who headed over from six yards.

On the hour, Shields were awarded a free-kick in a central position 30 yards from goal.

David Graham fired towards goal, but was denied by Wills, who made a comfortable save.

Within a minute Graham again tested the keeper, firing a shot from 25 yards that the keeper was only able to parry. Scroggins was first to react, but his shot was blocked for a Shields corner.

With 75 minutess on the clock, Shields eventually gained reward for their efforts.

A long ball out of defence was fumbled by the Penrith keeper, and Ramsey was on hand to fire into the empty net.

Within five minutes, Penrith almost restored parity. Craig Wilson collected the ball wide on the right before cutting in and firing a shot from the angle of the box, which was spectacularly saved by Andy Clark in the Shields goal.

Shields pressed forward looking to increase their advantage but were unable to break through a resolute Penrith defence as Stephenson, Ramsey and Scroggins all had shots from distance blocked by the home defence.

With five minutes remaining, Ramsey and Wightman combined on the right to release Craig Ellison who fired over from the edge of the box.

The closing minutes were nervy for the travelling Mariners fans, as Shields were reduced to 10 men following a red card for Stephenson.

Penrith pressed forward in search of an equaliser, but the Shields defence held firm.

The final whistle was met with jubilant scenes as the travelling fans celebrated a superb victory against a side with an impressive home record over the past three seasons.

South Shields are next in action on Wednesday at Filtrona Park against Hartlepool FC of the Wearside League in a Newton Moor Durham Challenge Cup Tie.

Then on Saturday, Dunston UTS are the visitors to Filtrona Park for a Skilltrainingltd Northern League Division One encounter.