THE joint leaders of the Evo-Stik Premier Division went head to head and a last-gasp goal saw South Shields take all three points to dent Farsley Celtic's title hopes.

In front a crowd in excess of 2,000 at Mariners Park, it was heartbreaking for the Celts who had matched their hosts for more than 90 minutes. But Dillon Morse’s goal deep into stoppage-time sent the vast majority of the crowd into delirium.

It had been a nip and tuck game with defences on top and chances at a premium.

The Celts had some long range efforts early in the first half with Jimmy Spencer, Chris Atkinson and Dave Sayers trying their luck from distance, with the South Shields keeper Liam Connell having to save two of them.

Shields’ best first-half effort was a half volley from Lee Mason that was deflected for a corner on the half hour mark. The flag kick delivery found Gary Brown but his shot hit team-mate Morse and went over the target.

Luke Parkin, with a free kick, and Sayers both put shots from distance over the bar later in the half.

The game opened up after the break and just before the hour mark Celts keeper Kyle Trenerry tipped a shot from Josh Gillies on to his post.

From the counter-attack Connell made a one-handed save to thwart Nathan Cartman.

Connell saved Shields again when his defence was caught out and Spencer found space to send in a shot. The home keeper was back in action to save a Sayers header shortly after.

Farsley lost centre back Jack Higgins to a head injury just before the 90-minute mark.

Into the third minute of stoppage-time, Connell’s long ball was headed half clear and, from a pass to the edge of the area, Robert Briggs back heeled through to Mason whose low centre reached the back post where Morse slid in to net.

Celts boss Adam Lakeland said: “Obviously it’s disappointing to lose the game and certainly to lose it so late on– it’s always cruel when that happens.

“We were unlucky to lose Jack late on following a late challenge – he took a huge whack to the face.

"We’ve had to go to a back four from a five and re-adjust and if that hadn’t happened I think we would have got a draw which was the least we deserved.

“I thought we were the better team, certainly in the first half.”