IT’S ALL TOO LEE-SY!

<M<IP B@:B# <M<IP >F8C# <M<IP >8D<# Robert sees his sons down big mate Watson

STEVE WATSON’S FA Cup run was ended by the kids of best pal Robert Lee.

Former Newcastle team-mate Lee was in the crowd as his sons Olly and Elliot both scored to help Luton cruise into the third round.

Watson said: “I remember them running round the players’ lounge at St James’ Park with my kids. But I also coached Olly at Birmingham, so I know all about his quality.”

Olly’s goal came in the 40th minute when he capitalised on a sickening collision between Gateshead keeper Dan Hanford and defender Scott Barrow.

Tough

Hanford spilled the ball and had to kick clear to the elder of the Lee brothers, who fired in from 25 yards.

The tie was delayed for 15 minutes while Barrow was treated on the pitch and he was still unconscious when he was carried off on a stretcher to an ambulance.

Barrow came round on his way to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and was being assessed last night after undergoing a scan.

Watson said: “He is up and about, so it looks positive. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

“Their first goal came from the collision, which has totally overshadowed the occasion. We are a tight-knit group and it was tough for my players to see it.”

Only seconds before the collision, Barrow had gone close to putting Gateshead in front when he fired a header too close to Luton keeper Marek Stech from Luke Hannant’s cross.

Danny Johnson also forced Stech to save at his feet before the Hatters’ opening goal and the exit of Barrow drained Gateshead’s early drive and put the visitors firmly in control.

The League Two pacesetters stretched their lead in the 62nd minute when Dan Potts headed home.

Five minutes later, Elliot Lee claimed their third goal after a shot from his brother was deflected into his path.

Danny Hylton and Luke Berry added further goals in stoppage time to produce a scoreline that was cruel on Gateshead, who hit the crossbar in the second half.

Luton boss Nathan Jones said: “The first half was not easy and it was a real contest before we took the lead in unfortunate circumstances. That can have an effect on both teams.

“The second half was much better and some of our play was outstanding.”