Match Report: Gateshead 2 Yeovil Town 1

The opening 15 minutes was played almost exclusively in the Yeovil half with then only forayn to the Gateshead half coming when Brett McGavin tried to catch the keeper off guard with a direct free-kick. The keeper was on his guard to collect easily, but still had more to do that Jed Ward at the other end despite all the home side’s possession.

We are definitely looking to find Millar Matthews-Lewis up front with long balls rather than the quick passes which had such at Wealdstone on Wednesday night. Gateshead are doing exactly that albeit without showing much end product.

The 28th minute proved to be the end of an utterly forgettable first start for Matthews-Lewis, who was replaced by Aaron Jarvis. There immediately looks more shape to the side with the number nine offering more of a focal point.

Just after the half-hour mark, a nicely worked move found its way to Brett McGavin whose drilled effort was turned away by a flying save from Adam Desbois.

In the 38th minute, McGavin got caught in possession and the ball got through to Boatswain who dragged his effort wide. Then just before the half-time break, another sustained period of pressure from Gateshead saw Josh Home’s header force a fine reaction save out of Ward.

Though the hosts will undoubtedly dominate the possession stats, we go in level at the break.

In the first 15 minutes, the only point of note was the inevitable booking for Aaron Jarvis around the hour mark. An altercation with the Gateshead defence.

Just after the hour, Terrell Works and Delano McCoy-Splatt was replaced by James Daly and new loan signing Will Merry.

On 66 minutes, the home side were awarded a penalty. Wannell looked to pull Boatswain down in the box and the referee needed no second invitation to give the spot kick. Keaton WARD fired home the spot kick.

On 72 minutes, a great break set Ryan Jones free down the right, accompanied by three Gateshead defenders, the winger tried his trademark twists and turns inside the box but could not get his shot away.

But a minute later, Gateshead doubled their advantage. A fantastic block by Joy Mukena bounced away toGilsenan who was able to lift it over as far as Mark BECK and the former Glover had the easy job of heading in from close range.

McGavin fizzed an effort just over the bar from the edge of the box on 77 minutes before Ward had to make a great reaction save to deny Chapman.

A disappointing day ended when Finn Cousin-Dawson was sent off for a wild challenge and then in the final move of the game Kyle FERGUSON head a late consolation goal for the visitors.

Substitutes: Aaron Jarvis (for Millar Matthews-Lewis, 28), James Daly (for Delano McCoy-Splatter, 62), Will Merry (for Terrell Works, 62), Harvey Greenslade (for Alex Whittle, 84), Jaydon Biss (not used), Ollie Hughes (not used), Matt Gould (not used).

Gateshead: Adam Desbois, Sam Bowen, Brad Nicholson, David Ferguson, Kenton Richardson, Fenton John, Keaton Ward, Josh Home, Jacob Butterfield, Harry Chapman, Levi Amantchi.