Heed magnificent in defeat, says Hogan

GATESHEAD assistant manager Lee Nogan claimed his players were ‘magnificent’ in defeat against new leaders Aldershot Town, writes JEFF BOWRON.

The Heed lost their unbeaten home record when the Shots’ French schemer Fabien Robert scored the only goal of the game.

It came late - seven minutes from time - after a goalkeeping error from Dan Hanford was punished by the Forest Green loanee.

A depleted Aldershot had only a few attempts at goal all afternoon, despite bossing possession in the opening 45 minutes.

The second half belonged to Gateshead but, with the game heading for a stalemate, the Heed were hit by a sucker-punch.

Nogan said: “The game changes on mistakes and goals and that was the case against Aldershot.

“That is the best we have played all season and performance wise the players were magnificent.

“In the first half Aldershot had plenty of possession but did not really create anything, but second half it was all us.

“If you make mistakes you are going to be punished. Aldershot are a good side, one of the top three in the league, and we have bossed it second half.

“We are disappointed with the result but you cannot fault the performance.”

He added: “It was our first defeat at home but records don’t mean anything to me. You are going to lose at home sometime.

“It was a painful way to lose after you have dominated the second half, we knew how they would play but have nullified them, so that is job done.

“A bit more creativity is needed in the final third, but we still created chances and the way we played in the second half was pleasing.

“We passed the ball well, the defenders did their job a the back and the midfield got a hold of the game - we did not deserve the late sickener.”

JJ O’Donnell and Luke Hannant were the driving forces behind a Gateshead side which has now won only one of its last six games.

Danny Johnson went close in each half but Shots’ goalkeeper Jake Cole was only occasionally forced into a save - Aldershot winning at Gateshead for the first time.

Hanford had even less to do - but he was at fault for the only goal when his mistimed punch eventually fell for Robert, who drilled into the bottom corner from 12-yards.