To say Gateshead never got going in this match is a bit of an understatement, with bad communication from back to front.
The normally solid defensive pair of James Curtis and Carl Jones had a few very poor back passes intercepted on route to Musselwhite, leaving Mussa to make two fantastic saves at the feet of the Telford strikers.
The Heed Army have come to feel very safe with Curtis and Jones at the back, but this was as rare as rocking horse shite to see both having not as vocal as normal.
Paul Musselwhite’s for mentioned saves kept the Heed in the game, his kicking was impeccable throughout.
On to the midfield, Kris gate can hold his head up high after doing the running of many of his team mates, be it closing down the goal keeper to getting back to help the defence.
The Turnbull brothers debate will roll on after yet another flat and uninspiring display from the twins.
Both players are a huge talent, but never seem to firer on all cylinders while they are both in the starting line up. The presence of a ball winning midfielder who can get the ball and run is lacking at times and was evident during Saturdays match.
Up front was hit and a miss all game long, with long balls not finding the two supporting strikers in Phillips and Southern. Armstrong found himself taking on the Telford defence alone when the ball arrived at his feet, having no support near him when he received the ball, giving the defence ample time to get back in numbers.
Telford took the in the second half on 63 minutes when Lee Moore scored from the edge of the box to give the travelling bucks fans something to cheer about after long periods on Telford possession .
Jamie Harwood’s introduction gave Gateshead a fresh momentum down the right and his fantastic link up play sent right back Craig Baxter away with the ball, he delivered a perfect cross into the box where Graeme Armstrong headed home from 8 yards on 78 minutes.
Telford maybe deserved to take all three points but no Gateshead fan will complain with a draw after the poor over all performance.
Line Up and Ratings:
Musselwhite 9
Was the man who didn’t loose his calm and would have made Gordon Banks look ordinary!
Man of the Match
Baxter 8
Made the goal with help from Harwood
Brackstone 7
Made some hard tackle and kept the ball moving forward
Curtis 7
Fantastic in the air, like a salmon, but some very poor passes back to the keeper
Jones 7
Coped with most of what Telford had to through at him, like Curtis communication let him down
Gate 8
Marathon man, ran his heart out, box to box, full blooded performance
S. Turnbull 6
Has the skill to take people on, but to many ball passed to the side
P. Turnbull 7 (Captain)
Rallied the troops when a goal down, good to see him giving it some for the team
Phillips 7
Made life hell when on the ball, but found little in the final third sadly, but he isn’t a striker and he tried hard for the Heed
Southern 6
Drifted in and out of the game, had a good 15 minute spell after half time then had little impact.
Armstrong 8
Fox in the box, had little joy when getting the ball to his feet due to lack of support, but was there when it mattered, great finish.
Subs:
Norton (not used)
Francis
Rae
Hocking
Harwood 7
Sent Baxter away to cross for the goal, made an impact on the game
