A solo goal from Jermaine Metz ensured the Robins would finish their league campaign with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Newton Aycliffe.
A back and forth first half saw chances for Craig Spooner and Kurt Matthews test both goalkeepers.
Chances continued to be had for both teams as the second half began but neither side could break that deadlock.
Newton Aycliffe took the lead midway through the second period through Metz’s calm finish.
And with the visitors able to hold on to their lead, both team’s league campaigns came to a close.
The Robins were looking to carry some momentum into Tuesday’s Senior Cup Final and after only two minutes, Spooner fired at goal following some good build up play from Paul Robinson. His effort, however, did not test the visiting shot-stopper.
One minute later, Newton Aycliffe were pressing up the other end, with Alexander Barnes having an effort fly narrowly wide of the upright.
With the Senior Cup Final just around the corner, this game was the last chance for some Robins to impress. Keeper Greg Purvis did just that in the 16th minute with an outstanding save to deny a Kurt Matthews header.
As the first half rattled on, the visitors were starting to have more possession in and around the Robins penalty area. With minutes left until the break, another effort on the Robins goal skewed narrowly wide of the post.
The Robins began the second half with a bang as in the 47th minute, a good effort from Jack Donnison was parried away by Adam Pickford.
In the 54th minute, the visitors were up in arms after referee James Westgate denied their penalty claims, with Aycliffe manager Colin Stromsoy even going as far to claiming it was an ‘absolute farce’.
Stromsoy was made to thank his keeper in the 60th minute for keeping the sides level as he parried a smart effort from Callum Johnston over the crossbar.
Six minutes later, the visitors broke the deadlock and took the lead when Metz broke free of the Robins defensive line before calmly slotting the ball beyond Purvis’ reach.
This goal proved to be decisive as the game petered out, with the Robins finishing the 2018/19 season in ninth place whilst Newton Aycliffe are currently 13th with one more game to play.
Final Score: North Shields v Newton Aycliffe
Attendance: 200
Referee: James Westgate
North Shields Starting Eleven: Greg Purvis, Jack Donnison, Jordan Summerly (Josh Nearney 38), David Hall, Mark McManus, Kevin Hughes (c), Craig Spooner, Adam Forster, Callum Johnston (Gary Day 78), Ryan Carr, Paul Robinson (Sean McRoberts 66)
Yellow Cards: Craig Spooner 34, Adam Forster 83
Unused Substitutes: Gary Ormston, Cam Cunningham
Newton Aycliffe Starting Eleven: Adam Pickford, Kevin Carr, Gerard Richardson, Jermaine Metz (Ali Alshabeeb 79), Daniel Mitton (c), Aaron Brown, Alexander Barnes, Connor Phelan, Kurt Matthews, Ethan Wood, Alan Harrison
Yellow Cards: N/A
Unused Substitutes: Liam McNamara, John Ballan, Eliott Howes, James Winter
