Match Report: Jack McGraghan

Gateshead turned in another fine away performance at Solihull Moors to record their third consecutive National League win.

The Heed backed up Saturday’s 2-0 win at Barnet with a 2-1 victory at the ARMCO Arena thanks to first half strikes from Stephen Wearne and Greg Olley, leaving Josh Kelly’s late penalty to stand only as a consolation.

Rob Elliot made two changes following the weekend’s win at The Hive, re-introducing Ed Francis and Marcus Dinanga to the starting line-up in place of Billy Chadwick and Regan Booty.

Gateshead dominated possession from early on at the ARMCO Arena, though there were few chances for either side to speak of in the opening 45 minutes.

Archie Mair was called into a routine save from Beck’s pull-back to Kelly inside three minutes, while at the other end efforts went wide from Luke Hannant, Francis and Wearne.

It took just over 40 minutes for the game’s first pivotal moment to arrive, as Olley slipped Lofthouse into the penalty area where he was brought down and swiftly awarded a penalty.

Wearne tucked the resulting spot-kick into the far corner for his fourth goal in three games, and mere minutes later Gateshead found themselves two ahead.

Wearne this time turned provider, laying across the penalty area for Olley to slide home and give The Heed some leverage at the game’s midway point.

Chances were once again at a premium after the break for both sides, with Dinanga curling the best chance for either team just wide of the far post after being set up by Wearne on 68 minutes.

That changed with just five minutes to go however, with Solihull awarded a penalty of their own after Mamadou Jobe brought down Jay Benn with a last-ditch challenge.

Kelly slotted down the middle from 12 yards to set up a potentially nervous encounter for its final moments, but Gateshead thwarted any attacking intent from the hosts to take home all three points.

Gateshead: Mair, Richardson, Storey, Jobe, Hannant (Hunter, 76’), Lofthouse, Whelan (Booty, 73’), Francis, Olley, Wearne (Chadwick, 80’), Dinanga.

Substitutes: Pani, Allan.

Goals: Wearne (42’, pen), Olley (45+2’)

Yellow Cards: Jobe (24’), Richardson (55’), Lofthouse (90’), Booty (90+6’)

Solihull Moors: Hornsby, Benn, Clarke, Craig (Warburton, 61’), Mafuta (Benton, 76’), Kelly, Beck, Maycock, Morrison, Osborne, Stearman.

Substitutes: Campton-Sturridge, Howell, Labadie. 

Goal: Kelly (86’, pen)

Yellow Cards: Stearman (37’)

Attendance: 1,134 (34 Gateshead)