24-Sep-2011 - South Shields 2 Birtley Town 1

1 - Ball
2 - Fitzpatrick
3 - Rodenby
4 - Smith
5 - Kirkup
6 - Chapim
7 - Southern
8 - Barclay
9 - Benjamin
10 - Ramsey
11 - Talbot

12 - Cunningham
13 - Grant
14 - Briggs
15 - Burnell
16 - Sweeney

Birtley took control of the game early on and on 13 minutes, Dixon turned Kirkup before shooting from just outside the box, but his effort was wide of the target.

Rodenby stretches

Two minutes later, Dixon was again putting the home side under pressure when the big number 9 attempted to round Jonny Ball in the Shields goal, but the former Whitley Bay stopper was able to get down quickly to the ball and pull off an excellent save.

Ramma keeps them at bay

The Birtley pressure was to pay off on 18 minutes with a well taken strike from McIntosh, to beat Ball in the Shields goal.

Talbot gets the cross in

Shields were to create their first real opportunity of the game on 24 minutes when a free kick was played long by David Southern and met by the head of centre half Dan Kirkup, but the effort sailed over the bar.

Alex takes on allcomers

McIntosh went close to adding a second for Birtley on 26 minutes but Jonny Ball was able to deny the winger from doubling his tally.

Taking a close look

The last chance of the half fell to Shields substitute Mark Grant, who replaced the injured Simon Fitzpatrick following a tough challenge. Grant attempted a long range effort on 44 minutes that was high of the target.

It's mine!

The second half continued as the first half had ended with Shields struggling to find their rhythm.

Rodenby battles

Benjamin tries his luck

But with 20 minutes to go, Gary Steadman's men got back into the game. The ball was played into the box and Stephen Ramsey, making his first start following injury, jumped high with the keeper, beat him to the ball and headed the ball into the net. The referee awarded the goal despite the protests from the visiting players claiming a foul on the keeper.

Ramma gets the equaliser

The goal brought some much needed confidence to the Mariners and they dominated the closing exchanges. A cross from Benjamin on the left found Tony Burnell who headed the ball goalwards, but the keeper pulled off a great save to turn it round the post.

Smith never gives up

Moving into injury time, Shields continued to pressurise the Birtley defence. The Camping and Caravan Direct sponsored man of the match, Barrie Smith, skimmed the crossbar with a cross come shot.

Burnell gets the header in

And just when the home supporters thought their luck had ran out, up stepped number 9 Alex Benjamin. Michael Rodenby delivered a perfect ball from the left which landed at the feet of last seasons Northern League top scorer, who hit the ball low and hard from 12 yards to beat the keeper and complete a remarkable turnaround for Shields.

Alex tees it up

And dispatches it

A visit to Billingham Town awaits Gary Steadman's men in the next round of the competition, who return to league duty on Tuesday night when they entertain Tow Law at Filtrona Park with a 7.30pm kick off.