A brace from Jason Gilchrist and strikes from Josh Gillies, Bali Mumba and Nathan Lowe saw Shields – who were roared on by a crowd of over 3,200 – claim a vital three points.
But who were the key men? Scroll down and click through the pages as we dish out the player ratings:
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Who impressed for South Shields against FC United? | Other 3rd Party Photo: Other
. Myles Boney - 7
Commanded his box well in the opening period. Could do nothing with the goals. Vital save at 4-2. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Martin Swinney
. Craig Baxter - 8
Rolled back the years in the first 45 minutes. His link up with Josh Gillies was a real threat. Did an important job at left back in last 15 minutes | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Frank Reid
. Blair Adams - 7
Bombed down the left in the first half. Surprisingly withdrawn with 15 minutes left, didn't appear to be injured. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Peter Talbot
. Jon Shaw - 8
Composed in the centre of defence. Shields looked rattled after he went off injured with what appeared to be a hamstring strain. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Other
. Wouter Verstraaten - 8
A Rolls Royce of a performance at times. Didn't look as comfortable after Shaw's departure. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Other
1. Myles Boney - 7
Commanded his box well in the opening period. Could do nothing with the goals. Vital save at 4-2. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Martin Swinney
2. Craig Baxter - 8
Rolled back the years in the first 45 minutes. His link up with Josh Gillies was a real threat. Did an important job at left back in last 15 minutes | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Frank Reid
3. Blair Adams - 7
Bombed down the left in the first half. Surprisingly withdrawn with 15 minutes left, didn't appear to be injured. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Peter Talbot
4. Jon Shaw - 8
Composed in the centre of defence. Shields looked rattled after he went off injured with what appeared to be a hamstring strain. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Other