Shields started the game attacking up the slope, and soon had their hosts on the back foot as Craig Ellison found Jonny Wightman, but Simon Hall in the West Auckland goal was able to clear the danger.

Shields maintained the pressure on the home defence, and Michael Rodenby twice went close.

It was not until 20th minute that West were able to create their first shot on goal.

Stephen Flocket crossed the ball into the goalmouth for Jak Outhwaite, who was unable to trouble Andy Clark in the Shields goal.

Shields countered immediately, as Willie Crew attacked down the left flank and crossed for Glenn Reay, whose shot was turned round the post.

On the half-hour Shields won a corner on the right, which Ellison floated towards Graham Irving on the edge of the box, and his shot flew just over the bar.

Crew and Wightman both had shots saved in quick succession, and with the first half approaching an end a Duncan O'Brien header, and then a goal-line clearance by Ash Davis, kept scores level.

After the interval, Ellison and Wightman twice combined to go close for Shields, but on 65 minutes West's Pattinson saw his shot hit the Shields bar.

Despite dominating possession and territory for most of the game, Shields went behind on 70 minutes. West won a corner on the left, and Ian Maddison rose above the defence to head past Clark to give the home side the advantage.

Shields boss Gary Steadman immediately brought Lee O'Donovan on for Crew, and while a goal-line clearance from Rodenby prevented West from extending their advantage, the substitution proved to be inspired, as O'Donovan fired home from close range to level the scores.

Shields had to endure a nervy last five minutes as they were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Tony Coe, but hung on for a vital point.