Match Report: Oliver Spark

The Heed were unlucky not to make the most of a great all-round performance as they fell to a one-goal defeat at the GIS

Gateshead returned to action at the GIS under the lights and in much better conditions for another midweek contest. Alun Armstrong named a starting eleven with just one change, Jacob Butterfield in from the start for the first time in the league this season, replacing Josh Home.  

Both sides started the game as they meant to go on, with quick incisive passes and promising build-up making up a promising first five minutes.  

Harry Chapman did well to bundle the ball back into Gateshead’s possession in midfield and drive into the final third as The Heed looked to make their intention clear early on. With good play from Curtis Edwards and Jacob Butterfield, the desire for a strong start was evident.  

At the back, however, a loss of possession gave a hitting opportunity to the Pools, a strong effort was beaten away by Brooks and the game continued at a good pace.  

Connor Pani broke away down the right wing in the tenth minute, combining with Kain Adom, who once again looked lively. The ball then moved to Kyle Hurst, who took the shot on which was deflected for a corner.  

Pani put his skills to good use at the other end shortly after, blocking a strong shot as The Heed continued to look assured in all areas of the pitch. 

Chapman again used his skill to play inside from the left into the middle and work in Adom, whose spinning shot curled away from the far post at the last second for a goal kick.  

After a challenge from Ferguson on the right of the box, The Pools got a chance to whip a free kick into the area. After being dealt with by our defence, the following effort from outside the area was left cleverly by a diving Tiernan Brooks for a goal kick.  

On the twenty-fifth minute, The Pools again fired a shot towards goal dangerously, the effort bouncing wide after cutting through the defence.  

A quick free kick set Adom free on the left, who also put some venom behind a shot that crossed the face of the goal and went out at the far corner.  

As the game crossed the half-hour mark The Heed could be very pleased with their performance, not letting up after a blistering start as we looked to control the match.  

After a better period for The Pools that required some safe hands from Brooks, the keeper’s clearance was ideal for Adom to work with and slip his man to break into the area and cut back inside on his left. His shot went over as we continued to show the attacking threat. 

Butterfield had his best chance for a goal, hitting a powerful shot from outside the area which didn’t quite dip enough, and went past the bar with venom to go for a goal kick.  

At the other end, a moment of confusion in the six-yard box would have left Hartlepool wondering how they didn’t score. Another shot from the away side thundered past the far post, a recurring pattern when Hartlepool were allowed to get a shot off in the first half.  

Chapman had to step in with a tackle in the area, calmly regaining possession during a good period for the away team as the pace slowed down.  

As Hartlepool continued to press before half-time, a cross bobbled off Joe Grayson in the box, fortunately (not for Brooks), hitting the keeper in the face, stopping a goal.  

Another shot from The Pools required a fingertip stop from Brooks as a very busy and entertaining first forty-five drew to a close with the scores level.  

With both teams unchanged coming out for the second half, Gateshead looked to start quickly again. Hurst and Chapman both had forays into the box which came to nothing. Then, within two minutes, Hartlepool saw the ball fly across the face of the Gateshead goal as they looked to make an impression too.  

On the left wing, Butterfield did well to hold up play and feed in Adom who promptly won a corner from which a routine was stifled by the strongest defence in the league, Hartlepool having only conceded three goals in the league this season.  

In the fifty-fifth minute, Hartlepool’s Alex Reid jumped the gun before finishing off a disallowed goal.  

The Pools continued their pressure, another from outside the box needed a save from Brooks as the game continued in a more even style, but still with a good tempo.  

At the other end, Hurst continued to show his promise. Harvey Cartwright was called into action, amazingly, for his first save of the game.  

On the sixty-fifth minute, Butterfield held the ball up well again, combining the whole attacking line and yielding a barrage of shots on The Pool’s goal, which, again, was well defended. Butterfield decided to pull the trigger from thirty yards, which bobbled into the keeper’s arms.  

Another effort had to be saved, this time from Jermaine Francis on the Gateshead goal.  

Just after the seventieth minute Hartlepool had a shot hit the crossbar, then fall to another of their attackers who had his poked effort cleared off the line.  

Hartlepool then took the lead in the seventy-fourth minute. A shot bobbled in front of Brooks, who saw the ball go under him to roll into the goal, after a host of quality saves.  

Gateshead made a good spell for themselves with two corners around the eighty-fifth minute. With the Hurst having the final chance in this spell, seeing his header creep past the post as The Heed looked for an equaliser.  

Six minutes of added time were added, a chance to level up the derby.  

However, it was Hartlepool who had the better of the chances, one narrowly missing the top corner, and another from distance that was comfortable for Brooks. 

Then in the last minute, Gateshead came forward. Great hold up play from Frank Nouble poked the ball to Adom, who fired goalwards but too centrally to the keeper.  

The match finished one-nil to Hartlepool after a hard-fought battle. Gateshead truly looked every bit the attacking team they’re known for, with a defence to back it up. Against a team less proficient at the back, this match might have seen the scoreline Gateshead showed they were capable of. 

Attendance: 1651 (821 Hartlepool) 

Gateshead: Tiernan Brooks, Connor Pani, Kenton Richardson (c), Joe Grayson, David Ferguson (Frank Nouble 84’), Curtis Edwards, Fenton John, Jacob Butterfield (Lucas Lowery 71’), Kyle Hurst, Harry Chapman (Callum Bone 71’), Kain Adom 

Substitutes: Preston Leech, Will Flint, Josh Home, Ben Williams.  

Hartlepool: Harvey Cartwright, Jay Benn, Cameron John, Max Kouogun, Jermaine Francis (Nathan Ferguson 89’), Luke Charman (Danny Johnson 75’), Nathan Sheron, Alex Reid (Vadaine Oliver 75’), Bes Topallaj, Matty Daly, Brad Walker (Jamie Miley 68’). 

Substitutes: Adam Smith, Adam Campbell, Jack Hunter. 

Goals: Bes Topallaj 74’.