Gateshead 3 Southport 1

It was always going to be a tough afternoon for The Sandgrounders and going 2-0 down after 12 minutes gave us a mountain to climb.

However the response was to switch formation with two subs in the first 15 minutes, the first time manager Liam Watson has ever responded that way in his managerial career.

Gateshead continued to create chances but as Southport settled into the game the last 15 minutes of the half saw the visitors playing some very neat football and could have gone in level at the break, which, after the opening 20 minutes seemed highly unlikely.

Southport were carved open at will early doors and Ward after 4 minutes and Scott after 12 had us worried that the floodgates were going to open giving the home side a 2-0 lead.

Great work by the outstanding Michael Carberry who crossed to Hmami who then fed Jordan Archer to stab home on 37 minutes brought the score back to 2-1 and we were finishing the half on top.

Jordan Archer had the ball in the net again in added time but it was ruled out for offside. It was very close with those in line with the play feeling Archer had timed his run well.

The second half was scrappy with both sides cancelling each other out. Given what had happened in the opening stages Southport were hanging on in there and whilst never seriously threatening the home goal we did look dangerous at times without getting the break of the ball.

With players committed forward it came as no surprise when Gateshead sealed the win with Bailey making it 3-1 in the 83rd minute.

Liam commented after we played Gateshead at home that the side who finished ahead of Gateshead would be champions and it looks like the prediction will come true.

Attendance 2006 (55 Away)

Media MOTM Michael Carberry