His second-half strike as he bravely challenged the goalkeeper secured a 1-1 draw away to PL2 leaders Manchester United at Carrington.
And they were also grateful to a brilliant goal-line clearance by former Manchester City youth-teamer Ben Barclay back in his home city.
Albion trailed to a 25-yard free-kick curled around the wall by Shea Lacey, the United talent who excited and was then sent off in the recent FA Cup tie between the two clubs at senior level.
The home side also included senior Holland international full-back Tyrell Malacia and first-team squad member Jack Fletcher.
But Albion were delighted with their efforts and felt they might have even won the game after Shaw pounced on 70 minutes when he was first to Aiden West’s deflected pass after Barclay’s strong tackle had won possession.
Barclay goal-line clearance was a remarkable piece of work, sliding in behind keeper Nils Ramming to divert a shot on to the post.
Shaw’s goal followed his free-kick which set-up a 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Premier League International Cup last week.
Albion under-21s head coach Shannon Ruth told brightonandhovealbion.com: “I have just said to the players that they were unlucky not to win the game. I thought we finished the game really strongly and after we got the equaliser we really tried to win it.
“That really shows the strength of our mentality.”
United’s interim first team boss Michael Carrick and staff were at the game.
A busy week for the academy sees the under-18s visit QPR in the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday evening before the 21s host Liverpool on Friday.
Albion: Ramming; Mackley (Keogh 71), Barclay, Penman; Tasker, Nti, Owusu, Mills; Oriola, Belmont (West 62), Shaw. Subs not used: Newnham-Reeve, Cullinane, Jensen.