The Robins were defeated 3-2 by Division Two side Jarrow FC in a game which often looked as though it would fall foul of the weather.
Despite a goal from Craig Spooner midway through the first half, two goals for the visitors either side of this effort gave them a 2-1 lead at the half time interval.
A second half goal from fullback Jack Donnison drew the hosts level before a late header from close range sealed the win for the Division Two side.
With the rain having constantly poured since the early afternoon, the pitch at the Daren Persson Stadium was very soft; meaning both teams were looking for the upper hand right from the get go.
The visitors broke the deadlock when a flowing move was capped off by the Jarrow attacker who slotted the ball past Shields keeper Michael Robinson from a tight angle.
However, despite the setback, the Robins were soon level after former Newcastle United midfielder Spooner weaved his way past a series of static Jarrow defenders before firing the ball past the visiting keeper.
With only moments left in the first half, the high-flying Division Two side regained the lead after another flowing attacking manouver gave the striker enough time to finish past Robinson.
As both sides scrapped for the ball in the second half, the Robins brought themselves level once again. A fantastic move between Callum Johnston and Jack Donnison gave the fullback enough time in the penalty area to calmly finish past Jarrow shot-stopper Wells.
This goal seemed to fire the hosts up as they had numerous chances to take the lead for the first time. However, with time running out, a powerful close range header for the visitors gave them a lead which they never relinquished.
Final Score: North Shields 2 Jarrow FC 3
North Shields Starting Eleven: Michael Robinson, Jack Donnison, Jordan Summerly, Adam Forster, Craig Spooner, Mark McManus, Curtis Coppen, Bobby Taylor, Gary Day, Ryan Carr, Paul Robinson
Substitutes: Liam McNamara, Kevin Hughes, Lewis McGeoch, Sean McRoberts, Finlay Hayhurst, Callum Johnston, Gary Ormston
