AFTER the previous week's victory over Whitley Bay, it was another North Tyneside opponent for Northallerton on Saturday as they headed to North Shields.

It was a momentous game for Tom Dawson, who played in goal for Town for the first time in a long time after an absence through illness. He got an early touch when he raced from goal to catch a ball, helping to settle any nerves.

The opening strike of the game came in the 32nd minute when a combination of good play and resilience from Town was rewarded with a scrappy goal from Gary Mitchell, who was on hand to force the ball over the line at the back post.

Shields almost hit straight back, but their shot hit the foot of the post, and Town were good value for a half time 1-0 lead.

The home side came out fighting in the second period, but some determined defending from Town kept them at bay until the 82nd minute when Dan Wilson equalised for Shields. Worse was to come for Town just two minutes later when Shields went ahead through Brad Hird, with a scrambled effort from close range.

Town peppered their defence as the clock ticked down, but Shields held out to take all three points.

Northallerton Town team: Tom Dawson, Tom Marron (c), Anthony Snook, Matt Crust, Charlie Graham, Shaun Ryder, Harry Donachie, Dan Chapman, Gary Mitchell, Joe Hillerby, Sean Chidanyika. Subs: Cameron Wilson, Mike Roxburgh, Mike Rae, Dan Jones and Lewis Alderson.