GATESHEAD 2 NEWCASTLE UTD 3
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE bound Newcastle United stole National League neighbours Gateshead’s thunder as lightning struck twice – but the Heed were six-figure financial winners off the field.
Just as in last week’s friendly against Championship Sunderland Gateshead conceded an 81st minute goal that brought another 3-2 defeat after they had been two goals to the good in an entertaining clash. Enjoy some entertainment of your own at mybettingsites.co.uk.
Marcus Dinanga and Stephen Wearne strikes put the Heed in the driving seat at the break during which thunder, lightning and torrential rain saw hundreds of uncovered Toon fans in a sell-out crowd of 7,200 head for the exits.
Those that braved the elements saw their side back on level terms by the hour through Elliot Anderson and Allan Saint-Maximin, substitute Jay Turner-Cooke then poaching a late winner.
Gateshead, comfortable in possession, were excellent in the first half and had their moments in the second, both sides having ten efforts on target, eight of the Toon’s in the second half.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was fulsome in his praise for his the National League hosts.
“It was a really good pre-season game,” said Howe. “It was a real challenge for us because Gateshead were very good, which was no surprise to us.
“We were a bit rusty, but showed good character to come back. I’ve got a lot of time for Mike Williamson and the job he is doing at Gateshead.”
Gateshead could have been behind after just 15 seconds but Matt Ritchie dragged his angled shot just wide of the far post. Saint Maximin then played Sean Longstaff in but new Heed keeper Archie Mair made a fine block, Dinanga unable to tuck away a similar chance at the other end.
Greg Olley’s 12th minute short ball saw Dinanga find the far corner, Norwich loanee Mair making a great save from Saint Maximin before Wearne shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
A Kenton Richardson error was punished by Anderson after the restart and then Ed Francis’ misplaced pass saw Saint Maximin tap home Anderson’s cross.
Aidan Rutledge passed up the chance to restore Gateshead’s lead and the Heed were punished when the unmarked Turner-Cooke volleyed home the winner.
“It was a fantastic spectacle,” said Gateshead boss Williamson. The fans showed up and on the pitch the boys showed tremendous courage.”
