CALUM MCINTYRE cut a hugely frustrated figure as Chester slipped out of the National League North play-off positions with a disappointing 1-0 home loss at the hands of South Shields.

Missed opportunities once again affected the Blues, who were undone by Paul Blackett’s late goal at the Leap76 Stadium.

Manager McIntyre (pictured above) told Chester FC TV: “Angry, frustrated, disappointed with the result. We’ve created chance, after chance, after chance, after chance.

“We’ve hit the woodwork. We’ve worked their goalkeeper. We’ve got in areas.”

Harrison Burke hit the post with a first half header from Iwan Murray’s corner as the home side sought a breakthrough, but in the last five minutes, the league’s top scorer Blackett finished brilliantly to move South Shields to within two points of the play-off spots.

They’re now level on points with Chester in the chase for a top-seven berth come the end of the campaign.

McIntyre added: “South Shields created minimal opportunities. We’ve had more than enough to score a goal today and we haven’t and that’s four (games) without a goal.

“Seven without a win and, quite rightly, we’re now in a very, very difficult position in my opinion of our own doing.”

Leaders Tamworth were held to a 1-1 draw away to King’s Lynn, while second-placed Scunthorpe United kept alive their slender title hopes with a 2-0 triumph at Warrington Town.

Scunthorpe, Brackley and Chorley seem to have secured their spots in the end-of-season play-offs, but there’s still nine clubs with aspirations of securing one of the other three top-seven placings.

There’s a crucial spell on the horizon for Chester, beginning with their Good Friday trip to Buxton.

This is followed on Easter Monday with a home clash versus sixth-placed Alfreton Town.

Other results: Bishop’s Stortford 0 Scarborough 2; Brackley 1 Alfreton 0; Chorley 0 Boston 3; Curzon Ashton 4 Banbury 1; Hereford 4 Farsley 1; Peterborough Sports 2 Blyth 2; Rushall 3 Darlington 2; Southport 2 Buxton 2; Spennymoor 3 Gloucester 0.