Match Report: Gateshead FC

Gateshead battled to a goalless draw at Brunton Park on Good Friday, making them six points clear of the relegation zone.

Rob Elliot made one change from last week’s victory over Yeovil Town, with Ashley Boatswain replacing the injured Levi Amantchi, while Tyrelle Newton and Rio Patterson-Powell joined the bench.

Former Heed favourite Stephen Wearne lined up in the middle for promotion-chasing Carlisle, while Archie Mair and Callum Wheelan were left as unused substitutes.

Gateshead started bright and found the net early, however it was ruled out when an offside Jacob Butterfield played into Boatswain to fire home.

Moments later, it was Carlisle’s turn to be denied by the lineman’s flag after Wearne fired past Adam Desbois.

Kenton Ward came close for the Heed on nine minutes, striking the post after a long throw from Brad Nicholson.

It was end-to-end in the first half as Harry Chapman headed over the Carlisle goal, while Regan Linney and Morgan Feeney went wide for the hosts.

Gateshead were dealt a blow on the half hour when captain Kenton Richardson was unable to continue following an ankle injury, being replaced by Louis Storey.

Desbois was one of many standout performers for the Heed, and the shot-stopper was called into action on 32 minutes to make a crucial save against Hugh Parker.

Boatswain fired over the Carlisle goal from range before the referee blew the half-time whistle on an entertaining first half in Cumbria.

Josh Anifowose and Ethan Moore were introduced at the break, replacing Jacob Butterfield and Josh Home, and there was nearly an instant impact for the Heed.

Sixty seconds into the second half, Anifowose fired an effort towards goal which went past Gabriel Breeze but was met with a huge clearance from Feeney off the line.

David Ajiboye nearly broke the deadlock for  Carlisle on two occasions, but Desbois saved low and the winger smashed the post.

There was another huge chance for Wearne on 55 minutes after Harvey Macadam squared the ball, but his effort was again stopped by Desbois.

Carlisle continued to threaten with Jack Ellis striking over from range, while Linney drove an effort across goal and past the far post.

There was a triple change for Carlisle on 70 minutes, while Patterson-Powell made his Heed debut in replace of Sam Bowen.

Linney clipped the post for Carlisle and Ephraim Yeboah was denied by Desbois as the minutes ticked down in the North West.

Gateshead showed astute defending and were eventually rewarded with a point in front of 735 travelling fans at Brunton Park.

Gateshead: Desbois, Nicholson, Ferguson, Richardson (Storey 30’), Ward, Chapman (Beck 80’), John, Home (Anifowose 45’), Bowen (Patterson-Powell 70’), Butterfield (Moore 45’), Boatswain

Subs (not used): Newton, Chadwick