The victory made up for the disappointment of exiting the FA Cup to Kendal after a midweek replay, and the bonus was a first clean sheet of the new campaign in the league.

Missing a couple of regulars, manager Jason Newall deployed teenager Kenzie Harker in an unfamiliar right-back position. The former Guisborough and Marske attacking midfielder was a revelation and played a major part in an impressive all-round team display.

Harker produced some lovely link-up play with right winger Jack Stapley and put the Shields defence under pressure from the start, fizzing a great effort across the goalmouth that just needed a finishing touch.

It was the same combination that created Town’s winner in the 25th minute. Harker produced a killer pass down the wing and Stapley’s low cross was deflected into the home net by one of the Shields defenders for an own goal.

The visitors’ counter-attacking game saw hard-running leading scorer James Sayer and centre-forward Alistair Banks continue to cause Shields problems as half-time approached.

Northallerton worked hard to protect their advantage in the second period as Shields pressed for an equaliser. ‘Keeper Preston Leech again showed his skills with some fine saves.

The visitors had the chance to extend their lead in the 70th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a trip on skipper Liam Darville. Sayer stepped up to take the kick, but Shields ‘keeper Callum Elliott guessed correctly and smothered his shot.

Shields tried everything to break through the defence in the closing stages, but encountered stubborn resistance from a Town side who put bodies on the line to bring home the points.

North Shields: Elliott, Marrs, Wanless, Holmes (Anderson 74), Milmore, Shaw, Patterson (Downey 46), Slater, Hall, Suddick (Smith 81), Ogbewe (Carr 46).

Northallerton Town: Leech, Harker, Haase, Darville, Harwood, Dale, Stapley, Walker, Banks (Marrtin 86), Sayer, Nicholas (Kitching 72).

Man of the Match: Kenzie Harker (sponsored by Cosmic Fireworks).

Att: 338.