Match Report: Jack McGraghan

Gateshead’s Fylde curse continued as they were dealt a 3-0 defeat at Mill Farm. 

The hosts took the lead into half time following Tyler Roberts’ opener, before strikes from Gavin Massey and Nick Haughton in the second 45 compounded a tough afternoon for The Heed.

Carl Magnay made seven changes from Wednesday’s National League Cup game against Leeds United U21, with Robbie Tinkler returning in defence while Regan Booty, Luke Hannant and Jacob Butterfield started after being rested in midweek.

Butterfield would test Fylde goalkeeper Ben Winterbottom in the game’s first chance on goal when he fired low on the turn, but a strong hand from the stopper kept his effort at bay.

Tyrelle Newton drew another save from Winterbottom at distance 15 minutes in, before Haughton called Moss into action with a first-time shot from close range at the other end.

Fylde broke the deadlock with 31 minutes on the clock though, breaking through after regaining possession in the middle of the pitch before Jon Ustabasi laid Roberts off to slot past Moss.

Haughton was denied Fylde’s second when his lofted effort clipped the top of the crossbar seven minutes later, and Regan Booty came close to an equaliser when his first-time side-footer was well saved by Winterbottom low to his right.

Booty would draw another save from Winterbottom nine minutes into the second half as Gateshead gained more control of proceedings, with Whelan sending two strikes narrowly wide shortly afterwards.

Newton was denied on the break just as he looked to pull the trigger by a last-ditch challenge, before Butterfield sent a 25-yarder just wide of the far post as The Heed’s pressure grew.

Just as it seemed that Gateshead were close to an equaliser however, Fylde dealt a sucker punch at the other end, with Roberts turning provider to square for Massey to find the net from inside the box.

Haughton added a third three minutes later when he fired Ustabasi’s lay-off across goal and into the far corner to seal the result, with Gateshead heading home from Mill Farm empty handed.

Gateshead: Moss, Radcliffe, Tinkler, Jones, Newton, Hannant, Booty, Worman, Whelan, Butterfield, Oseni.

Substitutes: Basey, Belehouan, Carr, Beck, Home.

Yellow Cards: Oseni (47’), Hannant (79’).

AFC Fylde: Winterbottom, Evans (McFayden, 78’), Hosannah (Bardell, 83’), Haughton, Jolley (Massey, 73’), Mitchell, O’Kane (Riley, 77’), Obi, Roberts (Brennan, 89’), Ustabasi, Whelan.

Substitutes: Gamble, Richardson.

Goals: Roberts (31’), Massey (77’), Haughton (81’).

Yellow Cards: Winterbottom (86’).

Attendance: 1,287 (147 Gateshead).