Match Report: Oliver Spark

Gateshead fell to a 0-2 loss at the GIS after a hard-fought battle against high-flying Rochdale

Gateshead lined up at the International Stadium for the first time this year, with Rob Elliot appearing in the dugout on Tyneside for the first time since his return. The starting eleven included six out of seven new signings, with Brad Nicholson, Louis Storey, Keaton Ward, Sam Bowen, Billy Chadwick and Levi Amantchi featuring from the off. 

The Heed had the first chance of the match with Amantchi being played through on the left, and running into the box but Ethan Ebanks-Landell tracked back well and played the ball off the striker for a goal kick. 

Rochdale’s first chance fell to Robi Adebayo-Rowling who saw the ball fall to him inside the area but wasn’t quick enough to get his shot off before Gateshead cleared. 

In the 16th minute, the ball fell to Devante Rodney just inside the area, and the striker hit it well, but Gateshead’s defence blocked it for the first corner of the match.

The Dale then showed their pace and skill, working a slick counter-attack up the pitch and winning a corner, the first of four in quick succession for Rochdale, which were all defended well. 

Rochdale broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Devante Rodney broke on the right flank and crossed well to Manny Duku in the area, who was well positioned centrally to finish from 12 yards out.

Duku then had another chance shortly after, going one-on-one with Brooks, the keeper saved well with his legs to keep the score at 0-1. 

Gateshead continued to defend well and kept out Rochdale’s eight corners.  Against a leading side in the division, the first half was a promising affair from a new-look Gateshead.

The Heed made the first chance of the second half with a lovely dink over the Rochdale backline from Bowen that found Chadwick. But Oliver Whatmuff in the Dale goal was too quick to smother the ball for Gateshead to find a leveller.

Mark Beck replaced Bowen in the 55th minute. In the 60th minute, his first involvement was to get on the end of a cross which he headed on target, but Whatmuff dealt with the effort comfortably.

In the 62nd minute, Gateshead had their best chance of the match. Tyrelle Newton broke down the right side and whipped his cross in for Amantchi, who rattled the crossbar with his effort as Gateshead piled on the pressure.

After a long stoppage, Fenton John came on to replace Louis Storey in the 68th minute.

The Heed made three further changes in the 79th minute, replacing Newton, Butterfield, and Chadwick with Telford, Melbourne, and Home.

In the 80th minute, Gateshead worked the ball well down the left flank and a cross was floated 40 yards over to the left-hand side, who had to take it on first time, and the effort went narrowly wide of the near post. 

After a second half that saw Gateshead go toe-to-toe with Rochdale, the Dale doubled their lead in the 87th minute. The visitors recycled their free kick on the left edge of the box well, and the ball ended up on the right side. Tobi Adebayo-Rowling crossed the ball well for Ryan East, who took it on the half volley and beat Brooks with power at the near post. 

As the referee announced nine minutes of added time, Gateshead could feel hard done by as their second-half performance dealt with Rochdale effectively. The Dale had only doubled the lead with their first shot of the second half. 

Gateshead gave a very promising account of themselves against a tough first opponent in Rochdale. Their second-half performance was more than enough to keep the side with the best away record in the league quiet. It’s onwards and upwards for Rob Elliot’s Gateshead.

Attendance: 887 (359 Rochdale)

Gateshead lineup: Tiernan Brooks, Brad Nicholson, David Ferguson (C), Louis Storey (Fenton John 68’), Jacob Butterfield (Max Melbourne 79’), Keaton Ward, Aidan Elliot-Wheeler, Sam Bowen (Mark Beck 55’), Tyrelle Newton (Dom Telford 79’), Billy Chadwick (Josh Home 79’), Levi Amantchi 

Gateshead substitutes (unused): Will Flint, Josh Home, Mark Beck, Fenton John, Curtis Edwards, 

Yellow cards: Louis Storey (14’)

Rochdale lineup: Oliver Whatmuff, Kyron Gordon, Ryan East, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Tarryn Allarakhia (Bryant Bolongo 59’), Harvey Gilmour, Devante Rodney (Connor McBride 66’), Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Jake Burger (Casey Pettit 74’), Callum Perry (Dave Tutonda 74’), Manny Duku (Ian Henderson 59’)

Rochdale substitutes (unused): Dan Moss, Tyler Smith,

Goals: Manny Duku (32’), Ryan East (87’)