A young Gateshead side were defeated 3-1 at Stockton Town in the Frank Pattison Durham Challenge Cup first round on Tuesday night.

It was one goal apiece at half-time, but a quickfire double from Stockton in the second half saw The Anchors progress into the next round of the competition.

The Heed squad was largely made up of youngsters, with first-team players Preston Leech, Ben Williams, Callum Bone, Josh Anifowose and Luke Supyk also featuring.

Stockton, who sit 19th in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, fielded a strong side at the MAP Group UK Stadium. Former Gateshead loanee Owen Gallacher started for the Anchors, while Frank Nouble was introduced in the second half.

Michael Dunwell’s side took an early lead as former Darlington and Spennymoor forward Stephen Thompson fired a rebound into the top corner on five minutes.

Gateshead threatened in the first half, with Stockton keeper Nathan Harker pulling off saves against Anifowose and Motasem Lamah.

Sam Payne eventually equalised for The Heed, firing past Harker on 38 minutes to make it 1-1 at the break.

The Anchors pressed forward in the second half with Thompson and Jake Petitjean going close, before they regained the lead on 62 minutes.

Petitjean’s free-kick was met with a save from Preston Leech, however Jacob Watson was there in the Gateshead box to convert the rebound.

Minutes later, Stockton midfielder Petitjean made it 3-1 with a powerful strike into the bottom corner from distance.

Gateshead mounted pressure in the final stages, and Supyk almost pulled one back but Gallacher produced an impressive block on the line.

Ultimately, it was Stockton that confirmed their place in the second round of the Frank Pattison Durham Challenge Cup with a 3-1 victory.

Stockton Town: Harker, Brown (Barrett 25’), Gallacher, King, Watson, Coulthard, Young (Rooney 75’), Dawson (Painter 75’), Scott (Nouble 75’), Petitjean (Pinnegar 75’), Thompson

Goals: Thompson (5’), Watson (62’), Petitjean (71’)

Gateshead: Leech, Bakou, Spence, Leach, Williams, Graham, Anifowose, Payne, Supyk, C. Bone, Lamah

Subs: Reade, Comp, Oladiti, Wildgoose, D. Bone

Goals: Payne (38’)