Stockton Town exited the Durham Challenge Cup in the Second Round after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Shildon.
Two Adam Lennox penalties gave the hosts a two goal lead, and Lewis Leech’s added-time goal was quickly proved meaningless as Ben Reay added a third for Shildon moments later.
Six changes were made to the side that beat Matlock Town on Saturday, notably seeing Elliott Stephenson start in goal, Mikey Roberts return from a slight knock and Shane Henry get more minutes in his legs straight from the off.
Within the opening seconds, Stephenson was forced into a save from a strike inside the box which he pushed wide for a corner.
Shane Henry was also ready to stop a dangerous opportunity inside the area, as he slid to block a goalwards shot.
Kev Hayes had a good chance for Stockton 26 minutes into the game when his free-kick was well stopped by the Andrew Jenninson.
But only a minute later, Shildon were awarded a penalty following a foul inside the box. Adam Lennox stepped up and coolly converted into the bottom right corner, sending Stephenson the wrong way.
Both sides struck the woodwork in the following stages, after a long-range curled effort bounced off the right post, Kev Hayes’ effort from a free-kick struck the outside of the post.
Half-time: Stockton Town 0-1 Shildon
Three minutes after the restart, the Railwaymen were awarded another penalty following a handball. Stephenson guessed correctly this time, but Lennox’s penalty was high into the top corner and out of reach for the Anchors’ number one.
Josh Baggs had a good chance to bring the Anchors back close, the full-back got the better of two defenders and sneaked a shot through a small gap but past the wrong side of the post.
Tom Coulthard had a major chance very well kept out by the Shildon number one, from a half-volley inside the box.
Stockton themselves were awarded a penalty in the 91st minute when Michael Fowler was tripped up. Fowler took himself but struck the woodwork, luckily Lewis Leech was quickest to react and slot home to give Michael Dunwell’s side some late hope.
But all hope was lost just a minute later when Ben Reay was unleashed through the middle, and finished very nearly past Elliott Stephenson to secure Shildon’s place in the next stage of the competition.
Full-time: Stockton Town 1-3 Shildon
Stockton now get the chance to bounce back in the league, when Ashton United visit the MAP Group UK Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Stockton Town: Stephenson, King, Baggs, Henry (Birtles 54’), Purewal, Coulthard, Roberts (Leech 63’), Butterworth, Fowler, Hayes, Gallacher (Sweet 53’)
Unused Subs: Nicholson, Johnson
Shildon: Jenninson, Day, Banks, Allen, Cunningham, Price, Greenwood, Vincent, Lennox, Reay, Harris (Spalding 65’)
Unused Subs: Vaulks, Green, Gruelish-Smith, Teare
Goals: Lennox (pen), 0-1, 27 min; Lennox (pen), 0-2, 48 min; Leech, 1-2, 91 min; Reay, 1-3, 93 min
Attendance: 394
Words: Jordan Clarke
Photo: Harry Cook
