Report | Gateshead 3-0 Blyth Spartans | National League North | 21/22

By Stephen Burton

In association with:

ALAN McLEAN FCMA CGMA

Chartered Management Accountant

Vanarama National League North

Tuesday, 8^th February 2022

GATESHEAD 3-0 BLYTH SPARTANS

Derby day ended in defeat for Blyth Spartans as Macaulay Langstaff's early goal helped Gateshead to all three points at the International Stadium.

Langstaff out the Heed ahead after 10 minutes, before second-half goals from Adam Campbell and Taylor Charters sealed the win.

Boss Terry Mitchell named three changes from the side that lost to York City on Saturday with Nathan Buddle, Jordan Hickey and Corey McKeown returning to the starting line-up.

Gateshead threatened within the first five minutes as Adam Campbell got in behind the Spartans defence, his cutback deflected in the path of Greg Olley who curled an effort just past the post.

Spartans then suffered an early blow as Rhys Evans had to be taken off due to injury, then to make matters worse, just moments later Blyth were behind.

A wonderful defence-splitting pass from Campbell found Cedwyn Scott, who squared to Langstaff, and the former Spartan made no mistake as he finished low past Alex Mitchell.

The hosts went close again on the quarter-hour mark as Langstaff ran in behind, this time Mitchell was equal to it.

Chances started to dry up for the hosts as Spartans started to get on the ball, however the visitors struggled to find a way through the Gateshead defence.

It took until five minutes before the break before either side threatened again, and once more it was Langstaff as he picked up the ball on the edge of the box, but Mitchell again denied him with a fine save.

Spartans started brightly in the second-half and almost equalised after Connor Thomson drove to the byline and cut the ball back, eventually it found its way to Jordan Hickey who's low drive was well parried by Filip Marschall.

Blyth were arguably the better side second-half and on the hour Thomson nodded over from six yards after a whipped cross from Michael Liddle.

That seemed to stir a response in the hosts, as within a few seconds of the resultant goal-kick the Heed registered their first attempt to the half as Langstaff's near-post strike was well blocked by Mitchell.

The Spartans stopper had to be alert almost immediately as from the subsequent corner Owen Bailey flicked a header that was palmed clear.

Suddenly it felt as if a goal was going to come it would be from the home side, and so it provide on 65 minutes as the ball broke to Campbell as he lashed the ball home after reacting quickest to a rebound.

Langstaff continued his duel with Mitchell a few moments later but once more the Spartans keeper produced a brilliant stop down to his left.

On 70 minutes Spartans were dealt another injury blow as Liddle pulled up an immediately signalled to come off as Blyth's evening went from bad to worse.

Gateshead kept Blyth at arm's length as the game drew to a close and they looked to see out the win.

The home side almost snatched a third within the last five minutes as Scott was played through on goal, but the backtracking Patrick Almond did just enough to put him off as he fired wide.

Gateshead's third did come as the clock struck 90 as substitute Charters fired in from a tight angle to add some gloss to the final score line.

The games continue to come thick and fast for Spartans as they entertain Kettering Town in National League North.

Gateshead | Marschall, Tinkler, Nicholson, Storey, Jacob, Bailey, Olley ©, Greenfield (Pani 77'), Campbell, Langstaff (Charters 85'), Scott Subs not used | Williamson, Magnay

Goals | Langstaff 10', Campbell 65', Charters 90'

Blyth Spartans | Mitchell, Evans (Painter 7'), Liddle (Watson 70'), Buddle ©, Hickey, O'Donnell, McKeown, Deverdics Lees (Maguire 69'), Thomson, Almond Subs not used | Dale, McNall

Referee | Aaron Bannister