Two first-half goals cost Spartans dear as Stockton Town progressed to the next round of the FA Trophy with a 2-0 win at Croft Park. The visitors took the lead on 25 minutes when Stephen Thompson drilled in low from the edge of the box.

The Stockton winger then doubled his side's lead on the stroke of half-time with a 25-yard screamer. Spartans boss David Stockdale handed a second cup start of the week to keeper Michael Hogan, as well as Joe Oliver and Ryan Donaldson.

The visitors started the stronger, with striker Michael Fowler going close twice in the first five minutes. Firstly, by pulling an early shot wide after doing well to intercept a pass from Hogan, before crashing a header off the bar moments later.

Spartans enjoyed a good spell of possession with the pace of Dan Savage and Billy Gordon threatening the visitor's defence, but it was Stockton who threatened once more. Adam Nicholson met a dangerous cross at the back post but was denied brilliantly by Hogan who clawed the header off the line.

Fowler was denied once again on 22 minutes as he found space in the box, but Hogan was equal to it and produced another fine stop. Stockton then got the goal their start deserved as Thompson exchanged passes on the edge of the box then picked his spot brilliantly as he fired a low finish into the bottom corner.

The goal sparked a response in Spartans but they struggled in the final third. They almost got a leveller as Gordon raced to the byline and picked out a great cross, the onrushing Savage threw himself at it but couldn't quite get enough on the header which glanced wide.

Despite their improvement, it was Stockton who doubled their lead just before half-time in spectacular fashion. Thompson drove forward from the right wing, then fired a vicious strike into the top corner from 25 yards.

Half time: Blyth Spartans 0-2 Stockton Town

Spartans introduced Lucas Reed at half-time, and he threatened within the first few minutes of the second half as he whipped an effort narrowly wide of the far post.

Despite Blyth's improvement Stockton again went close, with Thompson again involved as he whipped in a dangerous cross from the right, but Fowler could only head over from six yards.

Spartans went close on 75 minutes as they pushed to try and get a goal back. Isaiah Cornet did well to find space on the left and curled in a great cross, it was met by Gordon but he glanced his header narrowly wide of the post. Despite Blyth's efforts, chances were limited, however Aitken almost scored a brilliant goal two minutes before the end.

He span away from his man before firing a fierce strike at goal that left the keeper stranded, only to crash off the bar. Cornet fired an effort over in injury time from distance as Spartans ultimately ended up empty handed.

Full time: Blyth Spartans 0-2 Stockton Town

Blyth Spartans | Michael Hogan, Josh Norvell, Joel Holvey (Mitch Curry 45'), Joe Oliver, Greg Halford, Ryan Donaldson, Billy Gordon, Zach Simpson (Lucas Reed 45'), Dan Savage (Charlie Aitken 59'), Joao Gomes (Isiah Cornet 59'), Nicky Deverdics (C)

Subs not used | Harrison Bond

Stockton Town | Nathan Harker, Lewis King, Josh Baggs, Cameron Painter (Arjun Purewal 77'), Adam Nicholson (C), Tom Coulthard, Stephen Thompson (Mikey Roberts 58'), Glenn Butterworth (Elliott Beddow 69'), Michael Fowler, Lewis Leech (Shane Henry 58'), Owen Gallacher (Michael Sweet 69')

Goals | Stephen Thompson 25', 45'

Yellow Cards | Michael Sweet 81', Tom Coulthard 86'

Referee | Kieran Downey

Assistant Referee | Jack Arrowsmith and Issac Stephenson