Match Report: Jack McGraghan

Gateshead were defeated late on by 10-man Sutton United at Gateshead International Stadium. 

The visitors were reduced by a man when Noah Nzuzi was sent off for a headbutt in the 57^th minute, only for Temi Babalola to give Sutton all three points with a late header.

There were chances early on for both sides, with Nzuzi hooking wide from distance for Sutton before Ash Boatswain was sent through on goal by Keon Lewis-Burgess’ pass, only for goalkeeper Spike Brits to block his goalbound effort.

Neither side gained full control in the opening 45, with momentum shifting throughout the first half as Jack Robinson struck wide from 20 yards for Gateshead, while at the other end Babalola hit the side netting for Sutton.

Pete Jameson was called upon to keep things goalless twice just before the break, saving a comfortable shot from Brandon Njoku before pulling off a quick reflex save to parry away Charlie Carter’s powerful 20-yarder.

Brits was tested in the Sutton goal on a couple of occasions just after the restart, saving from Luke Supyk’s shot before then clawing away the New Zealander’s high cross into the six-yard box as Gateshead’s pressure ramped up.

Sutton went down to 10 men shortly afterwards when Nzuzi was dismissed for a headbutt on Kyle Ferguson in the centre of the pitch, and The Heed looked to make their one-man advantage count when substitute David Eguaibor turned and curled just over from inside the box.

It was Sutton who struck the game’s solitary goal with 81 minutes gone however, as Babalola beat Alex Lankshear in the air to head high past Jameson and grab what would prove to be the winner.

Gateshead came close to restoring parity late on when Billy Chadwick’s shot zipped across the six-yard box, before Brits spilled a routine catch back in front of the Sutton goal before a crowd of bodies threw themselves in front of any black and white shirts.

The final whistle signalled Gateshead’s first home defeat of the season, leaving The Heed 19^th in the Enterprise National League table. 

Gateshead: Jameson, Lewis-Burgess, K. Ferguson, Lankshear, Robinson, Coyle (Bowen, 71’), Home, John, Spellman (Eguaibor, 59’), Boatswain (Chadwick, 80’), Supyk.

Substitutes: Cameron, Williams, D. Ferguson, Anifowose.

Yellow Cards: Robinson (30’), Lewis-Burgess (58’), Supyk (79’)

Sutton United: Brits, Topallaj, Kirk, Nightingale, Urpens, Osadebe, Taylor, Carter (Bell, 62’), Nzuzi, Babalola (Francis, 89’), Njoku (Ogbonna, 52’).

Substitutes: Bello, Folarin, Haigh, Ruiz.

Goals: Babalola (81’)

Yellow Cards: Carter (13’), Njoku (22’)

Red Card: Nzuzi (57’)

Attendance: 696 (68 away)