Match Report: Oliver Spark

Altrincham’s dominant first forty-five was enough to see the visitors take three points from the International Stadium on Wednesday night.  

Altrincham started strongly under the lights with three corners in seven minutes. With little coming in terms of chances, Gateshead were able to build in confidence and have some promising breaks of their own within the first ten minutes.  

However, the Robins made the breakthrough in the twelfth minute. The Heed didn’t clear a corner, and it was up to Altrincham defender Lewis Banks to hit home with a well-taken half-volley to give the visitors the lead.  

Kyle Hurst was again electric on the left wing and gave the home side hope after the goal, but the slick pitch led to the ball running away as The Heed tried to apply pressure.  

Altrincham had another chance in the nineteenth minute as a ball across the six-yard box escaped the front line of the visitors. Altrincham continued to play freely and build up the pitch aggressively as the twenty-five-minute mark approached.  

Gateshead created some chances of their own, with a blistering attack on the right with Kain Adom that led to Frank Nouble controlling his cross with a lay-off, which was pinched by good defence from Altrincham.  

The visitors then countered and Brooks yet again showed his strength, blocking a powerful shot and the rebound was then cleared.  

On the thirty-five-minute mark, Altrincham’s Tylor Golden set off on a solo effort, quickly breaking on the left flank and cutting back into a shooting position. The straight effort bobbled once and nestled into the netting at the far post to double the visitors’ lead.  

The Robins continued their pressure and kept going all the way to halftime. With seven corners for the visitors and two goals to the good, Altrincham went into halftime in control.  

For the second half, Alun Armstrong made two changes to the midfield, with Josh Home and Max Sheaf coming on. The Heed started with good intent and had opportunities as a result. Frank Nouble broke down the left wing and held up play well to attempt a cross, which led to a corner as we looked to apply pressure.  

At the other end, Altrincham’s Jimmy Knowles was quick to get down the left wing and get his shot away, which dragged past the near post. The game settled into more of an equal matchup as neither team dominated the second half. 

The Heed forced a good spell for themselves with great build-up play and more pressure. Kyle Hurst had a cracking effort saved as Gateshead did make the half more equal.

However, in the seventy-fifth minute, Connor Pani saw red after a second yellow was given for a tackle on the halfway line. From then on, Gateshead had to make do with ten.

Ethan Fitzhugh came on to see out the remaining ten minutes in front of the six-hundred-and-ninety-six-strong crowd at the GIS tonight.  

Gateshead had the lion’s share of possession in the second half without a goal to show for it against an Altrincham team that did their damage in the first half. The Robins’ first forty-five was enough to see them travel away from the GIS with three points.  

Gateshead: Tiernan Brooks, Callum Johnson, David Ferguson, Kenton Richardson (Ben Williams 90’), Will Flint (Josh Home 45’), Kain Adom, Frank Nouble, Fenton John (Max Sheaf 45’), Kyle Hurst, Connor Pani, Harry Chapman (Ethan Fitzhugh 82’) 

Substitutes: George Shelvey, Callum Bone, Oli Thompson 

Yellow Cards: Connor Pani (60’) 

Red Cards: Connor Pani (75’ (second yellow)) 

Altrincham FC: Luke Hutchinson, Lewis Banks, Lewis Baines (Sam Barnes 67’), Elliot Osborne, Isaac Marriott, James Gale (Matty Kosylo 83’), Keaton Ward (Lucas Weaver 83’), Jimmy Knowles (Olly Crankshaw 72’), Kahrel Reddin (Charlie Kirk 72’), Taylor Golden, Dan Sassi 

Substitutes: Remi Raymond, Louie Fallon 

Goals: Lewis Banks (12’), Tylor Golden (35’)