Yes, it will work, as Hello packets will not be transferred between ports, if any link is down.

Mitya,

  Thanks for the quick reply. Can you recommend setting I should be using? Both TP-Link switches are connected to each via fiber on SFP-1 (port 9). The unmanaged loop is connected on port 2 of each switch (CAT-5). I have one end disconnected at the moment because I immediatley crashed the network when I connected it. Ideally I'd like to utilize the fiber and only have port 2 on one TP-Link active until the loop is broken. Then, upon failure, I'd like to see port 2 activate and feed the dead end of the unmanaged loop until the link is repaired.

Thanks

Gary

Normal

Failed

Switch A

Switch B

Your configuration hasn't the problem. When you use this configuration and connect the port2, the network still will crash? Generally the RSTP need a few seconds to negotiate. So you may lost the network for a few seconds. 

If your network can have a rest, you can connect the two port 2 together to test whether the RSTP can work normally. Then connect the port 2 to unmanaged switch.

provide info for both switches the same time. Do it by 'show spanning-tree interface', so it will be more compact.

I'll try it when I'm there nex and get back to you.

Thanks!