By Mark Carruthers

LEARNING CURVE: Gateshead’s Jon Mellish

IT’S been quite a last 12 months for Gateshead defender Jon Mellish.
A journey that started in the Northern League has now resulted in him becoming a regular in the Gateshead defence and receiving an England C call-up.
But it’s the learning curve of Step 5 football which has been cited for his rapid rise after the young centre-back was loaned back out to Newcastle Benfield just five first-team appearances into his Heed career.
“For where I am now, Newcastle Benfield have been the key,” said the 21-ye...