SOUTH Shields have been unsuccessful in their legal bid to earn promotion to the Vanarama National League North.

Shields were 12 points clear at the top of the Northern Premier League and destined to go up before the FA decided to void the 2019/20 campaign for steps 3-7.

Therefore, the Mariners produced a legal challenge which was backed by hundreds of clubs across the country including Ilkley Town and Otley Town.

However, an arbitration hearing dismissed the claims and the North East club will now remain in the NPL.