South Shields rescued a point late on but were ultimately left frustrated as they drew 1-1 at home to Bedford Town.
The Mariners started the day leading the National League North, but the two dropped points and AFC Fylde’s win at Southport means automatic promotion and the title is now out of their hands heading into the final day at Kidderminster.
George Moncur gave Bedford a surprise lead at the 1st Cloud Arena just after the hour mark before Ethan Mann grabbed an equaliser for the home side in stoppage time.
Ian Watson’s side still came close to grabbing all three points right at the death as Dillon Morse’s header was kept out by Bedford goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore, who made several impressive saves during the match.
The National League North title was always going to go down to the final day regardless of Saturday’s results, but Shields now find themselves relying on results elsewhere. Fylde will win the title by beating Merthyr Town but anything less and South Shields have a chance of pipping them to the title.
The Mariners would have to beat Kidderminster Harriers while also overturning a slightly inferior goal difference.
Saturday wasn’t quite the final home game of the season celebration it could have been but the 1st Cloud Arena was still in fine voice on a sunny South Tyneside afternoon.
South Shields photographer Kevin Wilson was at the match, capturing the action on the pitch and from the stands. Here’s 17 brilliant pictures from the game...
