A Bank Holiday bumper crowd of 472 watched on as Marc Nash and his North Shields side looked to turn things around after Saturday’s disappointing defeat on the road at Long Eaton United at the weekend.
Hebburn Town came into the game on the back of a 2-1 win at home to Sheffield FC.
It was the hosts who started the brighter of the two sides, finding space down the flanks, creating the first chance of the game when Forster was played in behind the Hornets defense only to be undone by bobble as he went to cross the ball in.
At the other end, Hebburns’ number 9 Liam Henderson was cautioned after an altercation with Robins captain Anth Myers. Moments later Henderson tried a speculative effort from range which sailed harmlessly over Finlay Hodgson’s bar.
Shields continued to press deep into Hebburn territory and control the tempo of the game.
Hebburn were always looking to counter, only to have their breaks forward extinguished by the Robins resilient back four.
JJ Chrisp was cautioned for a marginally late tackle in the middle of the park.
The visitors missed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 21st minute, the ball played in from the left was met at the back post by Hornets Sean Reid who was unable to get enough toe on the ball to send it goal bound.
Good hold up play from Dan Wilson was the catalyst for a Robins’ attack, as a Connor Oliver cross was unable to locate a Robins’ head.
A dubious foul by Connor Oliver, presented Hebburn with a free kick, which was safely guided out for a corner.
On 35 minutes, Shields had a penalty shout dismissed despite JJ Chrisp being clearly pulled back inside the area.
Moments later Paul Van Zandvliet volleyed an effort testing Hebburns’ Shaun Newbrook.
1 minute of added time indicated to end a first half, which was a close affair with the Robins having a larger share of possession but neither team doing enough to take the lead into the break.
As the second half started Shields came flying out the block creating the first chance early doors, a ball played in from the right, found Brad Hird who guided a header over the top.
Hebburn’s Wayne Phillips found his name in the match officials book for a high challenge on David Robinson, halting a Robins attack.
Paul Van Zandvliet should have done better from Chris McDonald free kick as he headed wide from close range.
The Robins were reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute as JJ Chrisp was given his marching order for a second yellow card after a challenge on Sean Reid.
Despite being down to 10 men, the Robins continued to press to find a way back into the game.
GOAL 71’ 0-1 Joe Walton
Walton fired home from the corner of the area right footed as the home side were claiming for a foul on Finlay Hodgson that was not given.
GOAL 74’ 1-1 Chris McDonald
Almost immediately the Robins were back level after a McDonald freekick rattled the crossbar and was judged to have landed over the line by the match officials assistant.
Hebburns’ Sean Newbrook was booked after booting the ball out into orbit out of the ground in protest against the match officials decision.
Both teams went in search for a winner, with both teams having chances only to cancel each out.
At the death Shields had another penalty shout as Paul Van Zandvliet was wrestled to the ground again dismissed by the match official.
4 minutes added time were indicated.
GOAL 95’ 1-2 Amar Purewal
Shields thought they were to end the day with a point, however that was not to be the case, a poor clearance was crossed back into the box and Amar Purewal rose highest to nod the ball home beyond Hodgson.
This was the final touch of the game as the referee brought the proceedings to an end.
The Pub & Kitchen MOM Award was present to Paul Van Zandvliet.
Shields change their focus to the FA Cup next Saturday 3rd September as they travel to Bury FC, which is a 12.30 KO and live on the BBC.
