Match Report: Oliver Spark

Gateshead inflicted a controlling performance to win 3-1 against Spennymoor at The Brewery Field.  

After an early break resulting in Dom Telford’s header going narrowly over the bar, the first ten minutes saw lots of long balls from both defences find good positions with little to show for it, owing to good defence from both teams.  

It was a moment of quality from new signing Harry Chapman to find the final third, and after a couple of attempts from our attack, Will Flint rattled it in from close range.  

The Heed continued to push, and Telford finally got his breakthrough in the 21st minute as our attack worked a great ball from Kenton Richardson into a perfect chance for our new signing.  

Spennymoor had their own spells with a saved shot then a corner leading to a curling effort put just over the bar.  

The Moors were second best after falling behind, then a counter-attack resulted in a close-range effort sneaking in for Spennymoor to make the game 1-2. This was quickly followed by another counter-attack, leading to a comfortable stop for Tiernan Brooks. 

Gateshead’s play was rewarded just before half time when yet another spell of good build-up play led to a backheel by Callum Bone to finish a low drive across the six-yard box. That capped off a quality first half for The Heed.  

The second half started with Nouble, Malcolm, Sheaf, and John coming on for Telford, Chapman, Bone and Trialist. In the first five minutes, we had three shots saved from constant pressure on The Moors’ goal.  

Frank Nouble showed his speed and skill down the left flank to bring out some good goalkeeping from Brad James. On the right side, Kain Adom showed similar skill to link up with Josh Home, who eventually won a free kick that unfortunately came to nothing.  

Josh Home showed further quality as his effort bounced just past the left post as The Heed pushed for a fourth as they controlled the game.  

Spennymoor had a couple of chances, a close-range freekick hit the wall and the resulting shot was fired over the bar. In between half-chances, The Heed’s defence proved too strong for the majority of the second half.  

Well-worked corners gave excitement to our travelling fans, but with Spennymoor looking to shut up shop, there was little reward to be had.  

In the final quarter our midfield controlled the match, breaking up Spennymoor’s play and making the most of any loose ball. 

The end of the match saw The Heed dominate the ball and see out their victory.  

Gateshead: Brooks, Flint (63’ Adom), Richardson (70’ Williams), Grayson, Ferguson, Home, Trialist (63’ Pani), Chapman (45’ Malcolm), Bone (45’ Sheaf), Trialist (45’ John), Telford (45’ Nouble). 

Substitutes: Shelvey.

Goals: Flint (10’), Telford (21’), Trialist B (27’), Bone (45’).