For a while, it appeared that South Shields were about to join a far from illustrious list.

Along with the likes of Blyth Spartans, Frickley Athletic, Rhyl and Tamworth, non-league clubs to dump Pools out of the FA Cup, the Mariners looked like following them.

Trailing at the break, Pools’ only saving grace was that they were only one down. Carl Finnigan scored – somewhat against the way play was going – before Matty Pattison struck the woodwork, Finnigan was denied by Scott Loach, Pattison likewise, and Finnigan blazed over from a good position.

Pools were all over the place. Shields had won their previous 25 knock-out games, and played with the confidence which comes from losing only once in 51 outings.

When Pools lost to Tamworth in 2005, Shields’ first-team coach Martin Scott was in charge at Victoria Park. He was now overseeing another upset 12 years later.

But half-time allowed Pools to regroup, get themselves sorted and, after second-half goals from Devante Rodney and Nicky Deverdics turned the game around they were able to chuckle about their first-half malaise.

Scott himself wasn’t adverse to the odd dressing room set-to when in charge of Pools. One in particular ended his spell at the club. This one, however, was a bit more controlled than the carnage which followed a home defeat to Simon Grayson’s Blackpool in early 2006.

“We almost panicked a bit when they scored and they came into it. We controlled it until they scored and second-half there was only one team going to win it,’’ reflected boss Craig Harrison.

“I was the first to have a go at one or two at half-time, which is my job, but then I said well done at the end and second-half we could have scored more.

“We changed around at half-time and I wish I didn’t need to do that. I wish we could come in, sit down and have a cup of tea.

“Credit to the players for their reaction. I’ve gone in there at half-time, coming across the pitch 20 seconds or so after everyone else and they are already having a right go in there.

“They knew for 20 minutes before the break it wasn’t good enough and we conceded when we were on top. They needed half-time to get together and go again.’’

He added: “We had words at the break, we are all men in there and what is said is taken on the chin and we get on with it.

“A lot was said, a lot was aggressively said and in there you have to accept it. When you aren’t doing your job it’s down to me, my staff and the players to sort it out.

“We don’t want anyone hiding in there. At half-time and in a game it’s not mates – what’s said is said. You get on with it.’’

Pools certainly did get on with it. At this stage of the competition for the first time they made sure they are in tonight’s draw.

Jonathan Franks picked out Devante Rodney and he netted confidently from close range. It was his first goal since his heroics against Doncaster on the final day of last season.

“Devante deserved his goal, he could have had five this season by now easily, but it was a great finish and staff have worked hard with young players on their finishing. You don’t need to take the skin off it, pass it in,’’ said Harrison.

“It’s a great finish, worked hard and been excellent of late.’’

Minutes later and when Rhys Oates was felled around 25 yards out there was only one outcome. He scored from similar distance when Pools beat Stamford in round one last season.

Curling the ball around the wall, keeper Jack Norton was close enough, but still miles away from the ball.

"We had a bit of a discussion on the ball,’’ revealed the match-winner. "We spoke about Jack bending it and looked at how far it was out and Munnsy said 'it's probably too far to bend'.

"So I took control… though I might have done anyway.

"After scoring one at Harrogate in pre-season, I said it meant absolutely nothing, I wanted a goal that meant something and that's put us in the next round but some of the lads are trying to take the gloss off it by saying their keeper should have done better.

"That's the lads for you!"

After his measured run-up led to the goal, he said: "It's just doing the same thing.

"If I do the same run-up, I know the number of strides, it's a simple process really, there's no real science, it's just to make sure I'm not stuttering up towards the ball - it's nothing like Jonny Wilkinson!"

Deverdics has impressed at left-back, assisting and now scoring from deep. With Blair Adams fit and ready to return to the back four, surely there’s scope for Deverdics to be allowed to create from a more advanced role?

Pools saw this out well, keeping Shields at arm’s length and restricting them to hopeful shots from distance, which never troubled the again impressive Loach.