By Mark Carruthers
North Shields striker Dan Wilson reflected on “a remarkable day” after his side claimed the Northern League Division One title.
The Robins made the short trip to North Tyneside neighbours Whitley Bay on Good Friday looking to secure the point they needed to be crowned as the league’s first champions since Dunston UTS in 2019.
Top scorer Wilson played a pivotal role as he scored twice in the space of 12 second-half minutes to put his side in control at Hillheads.
Wilson had an opportunity to complete a memorable hat-trick when substitute Dan Turner was brought down in the area with quarter of an hour to play.
However, the striker passed on the penalty to former Whitley Bay midfielder Gary Ormston, who clinically dispatched the spot-kick to confirm only the second Northern League title in the club’s history.
Even a late consolation goal from Bay substitute Malky Morien could not take anything away from a historic day for the Robins.
The full-time whistle signalled the start of frenzied celebrations from North Shields players, coaches and supporters alike as they celebrated a title win and promotion into the Northern Premier League‘s second tier.
After the game, Wilson told The NLP: “We are just trying to take it all in really.
“It’s my first Northern League title and I know it’s the same for a number of the lads in the squad.
“The icing on the cake is obviously doing it against our local rivals so the day couldn’t really have gone much better.
“It was all about getting those points to be confirmed as champions but getting the two goals is a big thing for me too.
“It’s a remarkable day for everyone.”
North Shields will round off a historic season with a visit to West Allotment Celtic on Monday and next Saturday’s trip to West Auckland Town.
