Match Report: Gateshead FC

Gateshead suffered a humiliating defeat at the International Stadium on Saturday afternoon against high-flying Southend United.

Lee Cattermole named an unchanged side from Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Kidderminster Harriers, giving home debuts to Noah Phillips and Freddie Issaka.

The Heed went behind early against Kieron Dyer’s men when Harry Cardwell chased onto a threaded ball and slotted home on six minutes.

Southend’s advantage was doubled moments later when the ball dropped to Kyle McAdam at close-range, who fired past Phillips to make it two.

Sam Austin made it three on 19 minutes, firing home from Vontae Daley-Campbell’s pullback at the byline.

And Cardwell would make it four with his second of the game on 40 minutes. The forward made no mistake when a rebounded effort fell to him inside the box.

Austin was again on the scoresheet on 42 minutes, sending a volley into the back of the net from the edge of the box.

And Southend’s slaughter wrapped up with Austin netting his hat-trick on the brink of half time, making it 6-0.

Gateshead rang in the changes for the second half, and substitute David Eguaibor eventually pulled a consolation back in the later stages.

The Heed now have a full week to prepare for an away fixture at Wealdstone on Saturday 26 September.

Gateshead: Phillips, Kyle Ferguson, Lankshear, Holgate, Robinson, John, Home, Issaka (Supyk 46’), Spellman (Coyle 81’), Hiwula (Lewis-Burgess 46’), Boatswain (Eguaibor 69’)

Subs (not used): Jameson, Lavery, Smith

Gateshead goals: Eguaibor (89’)

Southend United goals: Cardwell (6’, 40’), McAdam (8’), Austin (19’, 42’ 45+2’)

Attendance: 838 (423 away)