Match Report: Jack McGraghan

Ten-man Gateshead were narrowly defeated by Aldershot Town despite playing the second half with centre-back Louis Storey in goal at Gateshead International Stadium.

A first half low on chances at either end gave way to an open second period following Nathan Harness’ dismissal two minutes after the break, with Kwame Thomas bundling the game’s only goal in just after the hour mark in Gateshead’s penultimate game of the regular season.

Rob Elliot named eight changes for player safety reasons after The Heed secured a play-off spot against Chesterfield on Monday night, handing Will Johnson his debut while Harness, Storey and Robbie Tinkler were the only surviving members from Monday.

Gateshead started their fourth game inside six days on top in terms of possession, with Aldershot offering little going forward in an approach of self-preservation despite the visitors likely requiring a win to remain in the play-off race.

The Shots’ low block kept the hosts far enough away from goal to go into the break goalless, with Marcus Dinanga and Tom Allan sending efforts wide while a blocked effort at the other end was the only time Aldershot threatened to hit the target while both sides had 11 men.

That changed in controversial circumstances in the 47^th minute however, with a loose touch from Robbie Tinkler allowing James Daly to race towards goal and nick the ball past Harness, who was judged to have brought him down outside of the box despite contact appearing minimal.

Harness was swiftly dismissed however, leaving Storey to take his place between the sticks with no goalkeeper named among Gateshead’s substitutes.

The central defender made the first two saves of the game shortly after donning the gloves, firstly from a downward header before pulling off a fine diving stop to keep Cian Harries’ 25-yard free kick out.

Storey would only keep things level until 61 minutes though, as a cross from the right was bundled in by a combination of Thomas and Heed midfielder Jack Stott after the stand-in goalkeeper had tried to divert the aerial ball away from goal.

There would be only one further shot on target for the remainder of the game, with Storey holding a header from Thomas with relative comfort, as the visitors took three points while Gateshead remained in sixth place in the National League table.

Gateshead: Harness, Storey, Tinkler, Grayson, Johnson, Allan (Adom, 80’), Stott, Whelan (Francis, 80’), Worman, McBride (Booty, 66’), Dinanga.

Substitutes: Olley, Brown.

Yellow Cards: Tinkler (50’), Adom (90’)

Red Card: Harness (47’) 

Aldershot Town: van Stappershoef, Harries, Barrett (Stokes, 72’), Daly, Frost, Mnoga, Harfield, Scott, Tetek (Barham, 88’), Thomas, Widdrington.

Substitutes: Kadji, Tolaj, Willard.

Goals: Thomas (61’)

Yellow Cards: van Stappershoef (73’)

Attendance: 892 (77 away)