TWO first-half goals from Crook Town striker Jamie Harwood ended Northallerton Town's interest in this year's FA Vase.

Manager Paul Burton was able to recall central defender Craig Winter following a four-week absence due to injury, but his twin centre half Stuart Jackson failed a pre-match fitness test and missed the second qualifying round tie with their Northern League second division colleagues.

Burton also gave new signings Stephen Cochrane and Simon Corrigan their home debuts, with Cochrane starting the game and Corrigan on the bench.

Northallerton made the better start, creating the first clear-cut chance in the 12th minute when a right-wing cross from Ross Diamond was met by Cochrane, but his eight-yard drive went just the wrong side of the post.

Crook replied through John Shotton, who made a great run down the left wing, but his cross was brilliantly held by diving keeper Sam Dobbs.

North almost took the lead in the 16th minute through David Onions, recalled to the starting line-up after being relegated to the bench the previous week. He played a superb lob over keeper Darren Ablewhite, but the high bounce took the ball over the bar.

After absorbing a spell of early pressure, Crook, who have a 100pc league record this season with five wins out of five, came more into it.

They went ahead in the 24th minute with an absolute gem of a goal from Harwood, who gave Dobbs no chance with an unstoppable shot from the right angle of the area which flew across the keeper and into the top corner.

The home side almost got back on level terms five minutes later through John Outhwaite, whose header from a left-wing cross just cleared the bar.

Crook replied and Harwood doubled their lead in the 40th minute. He made no mistake after making a good run through the middle, easily beating the advancing Dobbs with a low, 12-yard drive.

North made a determined start to the second half, with Onions having a great chance in the 55th minute. But his close-range header following a cross from Andy Swalwell was brilliantly saved by Ablewhite.

Town continued to press and were having the better of the game, but Crook were defending well and clear-cut chances were few and far between.

Northallerton eventually ran out of ideas and it was Crook who finished the stronger. They had an excellent chance to add to their tally in the 84th minute when Darren Harrison was clear through on goal, but Dobbs made a super save.

Two minutes later, a header from Andy Shaw was again turned round the post by Dobbs. Onions almost scored a consolation for Town in injury time, but his low shot went wide.

Town travel to Washington tomorrow, kick-off 3pm, while their next home game is on Saturday, October 9 when league newcomers North Shields are the visitors, kick-off 3pm