Gateshead 1 Altrincham 0

Date: Wednesday 24th February 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead grabbed a massive three points with a solo goal victory over Altrincham, courtesy of Craig Baxter. Baxter struck a thunderbolt of a winner with 15 minutes left.

Gateshead welcomed back captain Kris Gate and centre-half Carl Jones to the starting line up. Looking far more compact and assured at the back, the game always looked like it would be settled in one teams favour by a solitary goal.

Conditions were tough going for both sides, with the match passing an afternoon pitch inspection. However it was Gateshead who made the most of a cagey first-half. Brian Wake had two good opportunities, putting a shot wide and then missing with a header from a Peter Winn cross.

Wake had another chance before Alty had their own chances snuffed out on the edge of the box.

HT 0-0

Altrincham should've taken the lead ten minutes into the second half when Densmore was setup in the box, but left-back Paul Heckingbottom got a partial block in to send the shot onto the foot of post, thankfully to then be scrambled away.

Winn who again had an excellent night made many surging runs down the wing, with one low cross only just evading the incoming Brian Wake at the back post.

On 70 minutes Phil Turnbull then came on for Kris Gate, who went down with what looked to be a reoccurrance of his thigh strain. With both sides tiring, Turnbull found time on the ball and started to pull the strings in midfield.

Craig Baxter won the match in the 74th minute, picking up the ball in midfield he drove on unleasing a 35 yard thunderbolt into the top near corner. It truely was a strike worth winning a game, and the defence played excellently to see out the remainder of the match. A welcome three points!

GATESHEAD: Farman, Baxter, Jones, Curtis, Heckingbottom, Parkinson, Gate (Turnbull 70), Ferrell, Winn, Wake (Armstrong 85), Clare.
Subs (not used): Provett, Swailes, Sinclair.

Other News:

Loan update: Gateshead's pseudo-French winger Steven Baptiste scored last night for his loan club Ashington, as they beat Horden CW 2-4. In what appears to be turning into a productive loan for the youngster as he makes an impression and gains valuable experience. Elsewhere, former Heed striker Darren Forsyth has rejoined Dublin side Shelbourne for the upcoming League of Ireland season.

Fixture News: Gateshead's home match with Stevenage next month (March 20th) has been moved due to Boro's involvement in the FA Trophy semi-finals. This match will now take place a month later on Tuesday 20th April, meaning we conclude the season with two home games in a row (Tues 20 - Stevenage, Sat 24 - Wimbledon). Fingers crossed that both teams have their league positions wrapped up by then and aren't scrapping for either the title or a play-off place.

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Last time out...

New stadium...

Dates for your diary...

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Gateshead 1 Altrincham 0

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