A late Paul Blackett penalty was not enough for South Shields as they were defeated 2-1 by Whitby Town on Tuesday.
The Mariners found themselves two goals down at half-time in the pre-season friendly, but produced an improved second half display as they continued their preparations for life in Vanarama National League North.
Blackett converted from the spot with five minutes left following a foul on the lively John Lufudu, who was one of a number of players to make their mark after the break.
The opening exchanges were relatively even and the first chance went the way of Shields, with Blair Adams getting on the end of a lofted ball over the right but denied by a smothering save from goalkeeper Shane Bland.
There was a further opening when Lufudu scampered in behind on the right and attempted to square to Blackett, only for a defender to cut it out.
Whitby took the lead just before the midway point in the first half, with Harrison Beeden heading in a corner from Junior Mondal.
The hosts grew in confidence after opening the scoring and had opportunities to extend their advantage.
Bradley Fewster fired over from distance, Jerome Greaves had an effort blocked by Gary Liddle and then the same player hit an effort off target from long range before Whitby did add a second on the stroke of half-time, with Mondal's rasping drive from 20 yards arrowing into the roof of the net.
The Mariners started the second half more brightly and had a number of half-chances without seriously testing Bland.
Blackett had a shot blocked with eight minutes remaining and was later handed a golden opportunity to half Shields' deficit when Lufudu was tripped in the box.
The striker made no mistake from the spot but the Mariners were unable to make any inroads in their search for an equaliser.
Shields are back in pre-season action on Saturday when they take on Harrogate Town at 1st Cloud Arena.
South Shields: Boney, Lufudu, Adams (c), Liddle, Marriott (Jenkins 58), Broadbent, Smith, Hodgson (McGeorge 72), Briggs (McGowan 58), Blackett, Gomes. Subs not used: Dobson, Taylor.
Goal: Blackett (pen 85).