A Consett side missing six regulars lost 1-0 to former Northern League rivals North Shields in a scrappy game at the Daren Persson Stadium tonight.

With five players out injured and another suspended, the Steelmen were always in for a tough night against the side who pipped them to the league championship last season.

And despite North Shields’ lowly position just outside the relegation play-off places, it was them who scored the only goal of a tepid game.

It came in the 35th minute when Cameron Cunningham took advantage of a double defensive lapse to grab what turned out to be the winner.

Midfielder Danny Barlow, signed today on loan from Blyth Spartans, came straight into Consett’s starting XI, and had an early chance deflected wide.

But it was centre-back Dan Capewell, pictured top, who came closest to snatching a point, with a 90th-minute header which came back off the bar.

The result means Consett remain 10th in the NPL Division One East, eight points off the promotion play-offs, but 10 points clear of the danger zone at the foot of the table.

Next up is another away trip on Saturday, this time to Bridlington Town, who are 14th, four places and four behind behind Consett.

• Full match report and more pictures to follow.