South Shields’ season ended in heartbreaking fashion with a 2-0 National League North play-off final defeat to Kidderminster Harriers - here are the player ratings from the match.
Kidderminster did the double over Shields during the regular season to effectively deny them the National League North title. Now they have pipped them to promotion with a third win in the play-off final at the 1st Cloud Arena.
Shields were on top in the opening exchanges with Sean McGurk, Sonny Finch and Paul Blackett all having good opportunities to open the scoring without testing Christian Dibble in the Kidderminster goal.
It took the visitors 19 minutes to create their first opportunity as Ryley Reynolds’ acrobatic effort sailed harmlessly out for a goal kick to Shields.
But the Harriers scored with their first meaningful chance of the game as Kieren Donnelly pounced on a cross into the box to make it 1-0 from close range. The away side doubled their lead less than two minutes later through Charlie Cooper’s deflected strike.
At half-time, Shields had it all to do as they looked to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the second half.
Finch should have pulled a goal back for Shields within minutes of the restart, but couldn’t keep his effort down.
Shields huffed and puffed to try and find a way back into the game in the second half but Kidderminster’s defence proved stubborn as they saw out the win to secure promotion to the National League.
Meanwhile, Shields now prepare for a fourth season in the National League North in 2026/27.
Here are the player ratings from the match...
9. Jack Roles - 6
Tried to link the midfield and attack with some smart passing, but Couldn't quite get a shot away following some good work from Dan Dodds to find him on the edge of the box - should have done better. | Kevin Wilson
10. Sean McGurk - 7
Fired just wide from the edge of the box with Shields' first real chance. Blazed a cross out of the ground with the next attack but then created Shields' next one from nothing with a fine piece of skill on the halfway line. Saw a good opportunity saved in the closing stages. Let down by some inconsistent set-piece deliveries. | Kevin Wilson
11. Paul Blackett - 7
His pace and energy threatened early on when playing on the shoulder. Stood up to the physical challenge well against an imposing Kidderminster defence. Brought his teammates into the game well. A real handful but ultimately faded in the second half and left frustrated after failing to test the goalkeeper. | Kevin Wilson
12. Cedwyn Scott - 6
On for Alcock 57: Brought on to try and get Shields back into the game. Deployed on the right wing but didn't threaten the goal. | Kevin Wilson