Gateshead took on Conference North Leaders Southport on Saturday afternoon in a game which had many twists and turns.
The Tynesiders started the game well with their familiar passing game keeping Southport at bay, while looking dangerous going forward.
On 10 minutes Jamie Harwood was involved in handbags with a Southport player, both players seemed to raise their hands and started a push me and I’ll push you competition. Both players received Yellow cards, both could have seen red.
Southport broke the deadlock after a cheeky lob over the back four found Kilheeny with only the keeper to beat, he lobbed Musselwhite, chested the ball down and slotted it home very calmly to take Southport into half time with a one nil lead.
The second half saw Gateshead start with Ian Bogie's words still ringing in their ears as they pushed for the equaliser from the get go.
Lee Novak ran his socks off covering the ground of many his team mates, both holding up the ball and winning lost causes.
Southport’s goal keeper went walk about on 69 minutes, chasing down Novak as he latched onto a great through ball. Novak attempted to lob the keeper and he handled the ball a good 5 yards outside the area, the red card was produced and he made the lonely walk down the tunnel to the cheers of both home and away fans.
David Southern's contribution to the game came from a 20 yard shot which was brilliantly saved by the Defender who donned the keepers gloves.
Southern’s replacement Graeme “Goal Machine” Armstrong grabbed the leveller, he headed home from 5 yards from a pinpoint cross from Craig Nelthorpe.
Gateshead pilled on the pressure but Southport stood their ground and wasted time better than a guest on the Jeremy Kyle show to keep the score at 1-1.
Line up’s and ratings.
Musselwhite 7
Had little to nothing to do, had little choice to come out to try and get the ball for Southport’s goal.
Baxter 7
Linked up well with Harwood
Brackstone 6
Shows moments of class followed by a nightmare pass to the opposition
Curtis 7
Gave his all as ever
Hocking 5
Seems to panic anytime he has time on the ball
Harwood 7
Final ball was lacking today
S. Turnbull 5
Had a shocker
Gate 7 (captain)
In the mix from start to finish
Nelthorpe 7
Came to life in the last 10 minutes
Southern 6
Passing was not his strong point today, closed down every time
Novak 8
Ran for every ball, put a lot of players to shame with his effort
Man of the Match
Subs:
Norton (Not Used)
P. Turnbull (Not Used)
Phillips 7
Everything started with him when he entered the field of play
Armstrong 8
At the right place at the right time
Francis 7
Chased the ball down when needed
