Shildon's heroic FA Cup run came to an end on Wednesday night as they were defeated by Norton United in their Fourth Round Qualifying replay.
The Northern League side went down 2-1 at home, with goals from Lee Cropper and Kyle Diskin putting Norton ahead before Paul Connor pulled one back for Shildon.
Prior to the defeat Shildon had been the lowest-ranked team left in the competition and were looking to make the First Round Proper for only the second time in 50 years.
Shildon 1-2 Norton United
The FA Cup
Fourth Round Qualifying replay
Wednesday 29 October
Dean Street, Shildon AFC
Winning club will receive £12,500
But their dreams were ended by Norton who, as well as collecting £12,500 from The FA's prize fund, have been rewarded for their victory with a tie against Gateshead at home in the next round.
At a packed Dean Street, the game started in a frantic fashion with both sides struggling to assert themselves on proceedings.
However, following a cagey opening 30 minutes, it was Norton who took the lead against the run of play through Cropper.
The Northern Premier First Division South side carried their lead into the second half and doubled it after 53 minutes. This time it was Diskin¹s turn to get on the scoresheet, with the substitute firing the ball into the top corner.
Despite dominating possession for large parts of the game, Shildon's dream of a place in the First Round Proper was slipping away from them.
But in a determined finish to the game they showed just why they have progressed this far.
With under 20 minutes remaining Connor halved the deficit for the hosts, rifling the ball past the Norton goalkeeper to give hope to the home fans.
Substitute Chris Emms and midfielder Mark Hudson then both went close, but despite throwing everything at Norton, Shildon were unable to unlock the opposition's defence and find the goal they desperately needed.
Norton will now take on Gateshead in the First Round.
