Match Report: Jack McGraghan

Gateshead opened their 2025/26 pre-season schedule with a four-goal win away to neighbours Hebburn Town.

Newly named captain Kenton Richardson and Frank Nouble struck to put The Heed two up at half time, before Lucas Lowery and Max Sheaf added a further two in the second 45 to round off a successful opening night at Hebburn Sports Ground.

Alun Armstrong’s first fixture as Gateshead manager saw one new signing make the starting 11 with David Ferguson making his maiden appearance, while a mixture of youth and experience rounded off his first half side.

Academy midfielder Callum Bone came close to finding the back of the net with 21 minutes on the clock after a quiet opening quarter to the game, but was denied by the feet of Hebburn’s goalkeeper from a narrow angle at the back post.

It was Richardson – named as the club’s new captain last week – who connected with Ferguson’s free-kick to open the scoring, beating his marker at the back post to head into the far corner.

Tim Akinola’s hard work to win back possession deep in Hebburn’s half would lead to Nouble adding his name on the scoresheet, with the former teeing the forward up just inside the box to rifle a first-time strike home.

Armstrong made nine changes at the interval with only Tiernan Brooks and Connor Pani remaining from the opening 45, seeing Lowery make his first appearance after signing a professional contract on Tyneside.

Hebburn would apply pressure for the first time in the opening stages of the second half, with Ben Williams on hand to thwart an effort with a last-ditch challenge at the back post before Brooks was called upon to save a close-range shot.

It would be Gateshead who dealt the next blow to add a third however, with Lowery cutting in from the right flank and firing a low drive into the back of the net for his first goal since turning professional.

New signing Callum Johnson had a hand in Gateshead’s fourth three minutes later, emerging from the bench to set up Sheaf, who side-footed his low cross past Hebburn’s stopper to wrap up a successful pre-season outing.

Gateshead (first half): Brooks, Ferguson, Pani, Milmore, Richardson, Akinola, Trialist, Bone, Adom, Thompson, Nouble.

Gateshead (second half): Brooks (Jameson), Williams, Pani (Johnson), Grayson, Lynn, John, Doyle, Sheaf, Lowery, Trialist, Lish.

Goals: Richardson (29’), Nouble (40’), Lowery (69’), Sheaf (72’)

Attendance: 725