Match Report: South Shields 2-0 Bishop Auckland

Late goals from Paul Blackett and Martin Smith helped South Shields see off Northern League club Bishop Auckland to secure a place in the Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round.

There was little action in the opening 20 minutes as neither side really threatened to open the scoring but there were two chances as the midway point of the first half approached.

Mariners youngster Joao Gomes was the first to try his luck as his low effort narrowly evaded the far post before Tom Broadbent bravely blocked a shot from visitors winger Louis Johnson that seemed destined for the far corner of Myles Boney's net.

The Mariners were grateful for more brave defending just before the half-hour as Dillon Morse got to the ball just before Tom Howard after the former Sunderland academy player looked set to get on the end of a cross from the right-hand side from Liam Henderson.

The final 10 minutes saw Julio Arca's side begin to threaten as Jed Abbey's free-kick was well saved by Two Blues keeper Ryan Catterick before Gomes headed wide from close range after good work from Paul Blackett.

Gomes would have the final chance of a low-key opening 45 minutes when he cut in from the left and brought a straightforward stop out of Catterick that ensured the game remained goalless at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first as both sides struggled to create any meaningful chances - but a breakthrough finally arrived 10 minutes from time when the Mariners were awarded a penalty.

Blackett burst into the area and was upended by a challenge and the striker stepped up to fire home the resulting penalty with an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men moments later when Danni Lay was shown a second yellow card and it proved to be a double punishment for Chris Hardy's side as Smith curled home the resulting free-kick.

There were late chances for a third as Gomes and CJ Clarke both tried their luck without success - but the hard work had been done as the Mariners finally overcame a brave display from the Northern League club.

South Shields: Boney, Lufudu, Adams, Morse (Liddle 70), Broadbent, Smith, Abbey (Hasani 67), Clarke, Blackett, Mongoy (Woods 67), Gomes Subs not used: Dobson, McGeorge, Fletcher, Watts.

Goals: Blackett (80), Smith (84).

Bishop Auckland: Catterick, Burlace, Risborough, Lay, McGoldrick, Bartliff, May, Gott, Johnson, Henderson, Howard (Errington) Subs: Lincoln, Watt, Parnaby, Carling.

Attendance: 1,081.

Image: Kev Wilson.