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Gateshead 1 Witton 1
Date: Saturday 27th September 2008
Another worryingly poor performance turned in for the third game on the bounce by The Tynesiders.After a bright start, the self doubt and mistakes started to creep back in, with Witton finding joy all game via the long ball over the top of the defence. Kris Gate regained the captains armband from a beleaguered Phil Turnbull who started the game well with time on the ball to pick a pass, but faded and produced some alarming errors as the game wore on.
Witton had numerous chances to take the lead, with Paul Musselwhite rescuing us time after time. Whilst on the flip-side both Armstrong and Southern struggled up front with little service of any quality as the midfield had little effect on the game again.
Phillips posed a threat down the left and ultimately it was his cross who found an on-rushing Harwood at the back post to crash a header into the net as Gateshead took an undeserved 2nd half lead.
Having thought a goal would never come for us, it should've been time to start playing some compact intelligent football. Bogie brought on Stephen Turnbull and Alex Francis as he attempted to sure up the game, however the lack of experience in the side once again cost us as in the last minute Craig Baxter gave away a crazy penalty by handling in the box. Musser had no chance as the ball was crashed high into the net for 1-1.
An unwelcome replay on Tuesday night at Witton, fingers crossed they can find some form away from home. We need to sort it out and sort it out fast, or we're in trouble.
4-4-2
GK. Musslewhite - MoM. Another outstanding display, rescuing us on numerous occasions - 9
RB. Baxter - Some good runs and crosses, battled hard but ultimately his moment of madness cost us - 6
CB. Curtis - Another poor game by his high standards. Since coming back from injury he looks off the pace, and was caught by the ball over the top on numerous occasions - 6
CB. Hocking - Did well, was the only player attempted to organise anything out there - 7
LB. Brackstone - Doesn't look the player he did in pre-season, needs to buck his ideas up and show what he can do - 6
RW. Harwood - Worked hard all game and was the best outfield player. Good header for the goal - 8
CM. Turnbull, P - Started with renewed confidence, but as the game wore on his head went down and he gave the ball away way too much - 5
CM. Gate (Captain) - Tried hard and made some good runs, but had no physical support around him and he can't do it all - 7
LW. Phillips - Some good direct runs, but he really needs to work on his crossing. He must've either overshot or undercooked 90% of his deliveries. Having said that, the cross for the goal was perfect - 7
CF. Southern - No service to either striker, he really looks like a player needing a goal to spark him - 6
CF. Armstrong - Again poor service, but it was a display to forget for him. Some good runs but lacking any end product - 6
Subs On:
CM. Turnbull, S (for Turnbull, P) - Came on and looked better than his brother as he attempted to get hold of the ball and drive us forward, but lacking any end product as he ran into traffic - 6
CM. Francis (for Southern) - Bogies attempt to sure up the midfield backfired as Francis was way off the pace, but in his defence he's hardly played this season, so what can you expect - 5
Unused: Norton, Thompson and 2 young-uns (can't remember their names).