Match Report: Jack McGraghan

Aidan Rutledge’s double secured a two-goal win against North Shields to continue Gateshead’s 100% record in pre-season.

The forward opened the scoring four minutes in with a 25-yard free kick, before slotting home from the penalty spot six minutes into the second half to give his side victory over a home side who spent most of the second half with 10 men following Alex Nicholson’s dismissal.

Gateshead named a mixture of youth and first team experience in the 11 at the Daren Persson Stadium, with Robbie Tinkler deputising as captain following an injury to Greg Olley in training.

Academy forward Hamza Ibrahim came close to opening the scoring within two minutes when he slid just wide of goal, but Rutledge was on hand to do just that mere minutes later when he whipped a 25-yard free kick into the top corner for his second goal of pre-season.

The forward almost got his head on Lucas Lowery’s cross from the left flank in search of his second midway through the half, while at the other end The Heed’s trialist goalkeeper kept North Shields out with two fine saves.

The balance of the game shifted firmly in Gateshead’s favour five minutes after the break however, as Nicholson was sent off for the hosts after giving away a penalty for handball in the area.

Rutledge stepped up to convert from the spot for his second of the night, and third in pre-season, to double his side’s lead before a raft of changes saw eight Gateshead FC Academy players replacing the first team names in the 11.

North Shields had opportunities to get themselves back into the game late on, only to be denied by The Heed’s second half trialist goalkeeper as he saved from close range.

Academy forward Kyle Harrison could have added a third for Gateshead into the final 10 minutes when he weaved past three defenders before being halted as he looked to round the goalkeeper, while the hosts struck the post at the other end in the evening’s final chance.

Gateshead: Trialist (Trialist, 45’), Tinkler, Williams, Whelan, Trialist, Milmore, Adom, John, Rutledge, Lowery, Ibrahim.

Goals: Rutledge (4’, 51’ pen)

Attendance: 313