SHILDON 2 NORTH SHIELDS 0

Shildon versus North Shields. Shields striker Daniel Wilson in first-half action with Shildon’s James Harwood

Shildon then had a couple of half chances through Robson and Burnicle, before the referee blew for halftime.

Shildon started the second half well and Burnicle forced a good save out of goalkeeper Hayes and then Burnicle turned provider for Greulich-Smith, but his shot went high over the bar.

On 72 minutes, Greulich-Smith volleyed over after some excellent work down the middle but eight minutes later their pressure was rewarded when Burnicle’s low drive found the net, giving Hayes in the Shields goal, no chance.

Late in the game, Shields’ substitute Gareth Bainbridge fired over in the last minute, which was their only meaningful effort on goal in the second half.

Shildon assistant manager Mike Barron said: “We started the game really well and for the whole 90 minutes I thought we dominated the match, even when they had 11 players on the pitch, and then we scored the penalty which our play deserved. Throughout the match we created lots of chances and we were the better team from start to finish.”

North Shields’ manager Jon McDonald said: “Obviously we’re disappointed to come away with nothing, we had a man sent off in the 45th minute and conceded a penalty which made it a difficult task in the second half.

“We have had a fantastic run up to now, winning 16 consecutive games, so it’s just about how we respond from now on in until the end of the season.”

North Shields’ lead is now reduced to 14 points at the top, and South Shields still have five games in hand on their near neighbours.