Team Northumbria suffered their first league defeat of the season in a close fixture with title contenders Billingham Synthonia.
TN’s 14-match unbeaten streak came to an end when the visitors nicked the only goal of the game late in the second half.
Despite the loss, manager Colin Stromsoy remains positive and praised his players for their efforts this season.
“Billingham are a very good side and we knew it was a game that would likely be decided by one piece of brilliance,” said Stromsoy.
“Unfortunately, it was their striker that came up with the goods and they’ve taken all three points and our unbeaten record.”
It was an impressive defensive display from TN against a physically superior side, and the back four were unlucky to concede.
“The defence were outstanding,” added Stromsoy. “We’ve only conceded five goals in 14 games and defensively we’ve been good all over the park.
“Sam Read and Nicholas Green were great. They did everything they needed to do and kept it tight at the back which was really important for us today.”
The hosts weren’t at their best and the manager acknowledged that there has been a dip in performance of late.
“We’ve not been great over the last few weeks,"he added. "In possession we’ve been poor and a bit out of sorts going forward.
“We’re not creating enough chances and we’re not taking the chances we do make which is frustrating for us.
“When we have been winning games recently it’s been by one goal as opposed to three of four earlier in the season.
“We weren’t at our best today and we were punished for it which is to be expected at this level.”
TN face second from bottom Darlington RA in their next league fixture and will look to put this result behind them and get back to winning ways.
“We’ve been on a great run and we aren’t going to be too despondent about the result,” added Stromsoy.
“There are a few things we’ll look to work on in training this week and hopefully we’ll be back on track in no time.”
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