South Shields fell to a 2-0 defeat in Saturday's National League North play-off final against Kidderminster Harriers.

Former Hartlepool United defender Dan Dodds believes South Shields must use their National League North play-off final heartache as motivation to go one better next season.

The versatile wing-back was part of the Mariners side that moved to within 90 minutes of joining his old club in non-league’s top tier - but they saw their dreams come crashing down as they suffered a 2-0 play-off final defeat against Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday afternoon.

That loss came just two weeks after Ian Watson’s men missed out on the National League North title as AFC Fylde claimed the title with a win at Merthyr Town on the final day of the season. Despite that double disappointment, Dodds has insisted his team-mates must use the sting of defeat to hand them further motivation when they return for pre-season training in June.

Speaking after the defeat, the wing-back said: “Coming into the season, I think everyone was underestimating us, nobody expected us to do what we have done. So to finish in the position we have, and have such a positive season, is impressive. As you know, over the summer we had a lot of players coming in and new management, so it has been a positive season and it can only leave us in a good position going into next season.

“When you come short, you have to use that as motivation. Everyone knows the direction of the club and everyone has come in this season and bought into that. To come out on the wrong side of games like today, it has to be used as motivation for next season and I know we will use it as motivation to become even better then.”

Objective

Action from South Shields' National League North play-off final defeat against Kidderminster Harriers (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

placeholder image — Action from South Shields' National League North play-off final defeat against Kidderminster Harriers (photo Kevin Wilson) | Kevin Wilson

Despite the disappointment of his side, Dodds has enjoyed a largely positive first season at the 1st Cloud Arena after joining the Mariners in the aftermath of his departure from Pools last summer. After an injury-hit final 12 months at the Prestige Group Stadium, the former Middlesbrough man has gone on to make 46 league appearances for the Mariners and helped Watson’s men progress into the first round of the FA Cup before their run was ended by a home defeat against League Two side Shrewsbury Town.

After being persuaded to join the Mariners by the attractive playing style implemented by Watson and assistant manager Carl Magnay, Dodds admitted he had met his individual objectives for the season - despite admitted his side had ‘fallen just short’.

He said: “I knew the style of play the manager and Mags wanted to play. Coming in off the back of last season, my objective was to play as many games as I could this season and stay fit. I have done that, that’s a personal note, but as a team, we have fallen just short, which is disappointing. But we will be back and for a lot of the lads, this has been a good experience and we can all use it going into next season.”