Newton Aycliffe’s winning-run came to an end as Whitley Bay came from two goals down to win 3-2.
Aycliffe – whose safety was confirmed when Sunderland RCA were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player – led 2-0 thanks to goals from top-scorer Danny Earl and in-form midfielder Tom Hinchley but the four-time FA Vase winners hit back.
Allan Oliver’s men took a second-minute lead as Danny Earl headed in at the far post.
Fred Woodhouse hit the post as the Newtonians dominated the first half in search of a second goal.
The lead was eventually doubled five minutes after the interval. After Martin Young had gone close, fellow midfielder Hinchley hit a low left-footed drive past Kyle Hayes.
It looked as if a fifth consecutive victory was on the cards for the Royal Blues but Bay had other ideas.
In the 55th minute Scott Pocklington was beaten to the ball on the edge of his area and Ash Davis swept home from close range.
Davis soon clashed with Stuart Owen in an off-the-ball incident that that saw both teams reduced to 10-men.
And the visitors made better use of the 10-versus-10 battle.
Brian Smith won a header in the Aycliffe area and his knockdown was rifled in by James Fairley.
Aycliffe were reeling and they fell behind with 10 minutes left as Lee Kerr volleyed in from the edge of the area.
But Oliver’s men rallied and came close twice to an equaliser. First Dan Mellanby was denied by Hayes before fellow substitute John Close forced an excellent save out of the goalkeeper with a close-range header.
Aycliffe now end the season with a home match against Guisborough on Saturday.