Shildon AFC made up for the disappointment of defeat at North Shields by knocking the current Division One league leaders, Blyth Town, out of the FA Cup with a clinical display at Dean Street.
Three goals in the first half hour all but ensured the Railwaymen would march on to the Preliminary Round on 22 August.
They have been drawn away from home in that round against the winners of Yarm & Eaglescliffe v West Auckland, due to be replayed as the Crier goes to print after the sides drew 2-2 on Saturday.
Shildon were quickly our of the blocks against the league leaders, opening the scoring through a composed Jon Weirs finish after just 7 minutes.
Ben Reay doubled the hosts’ lead on 18 after good work down the right side led to a couple of blocked efforts before the forward prodded hoome from close range.
And by the 32nd minute, the home side found themselves three ahead and effectively out of sight.
A long ball from goalkeeper Andrew Jennison evaded the entire Blyth back line for Jack Blackford to collect and calmly lob the standed Neil De Jesus in the visiting goal.
While the second half proved a quieter affair in front of goal, the Railwaymen cemented the win eight minutes from time when Alfie Steel collected the ball 20 yards from goal and fired home a left foot strike unchallenged from the edge of the six-yard box.
Blyth would leave Dean Street with an Adam Johnson consolation goal two minutes from time, but it was the hosts who confortably progressed to the next round.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
