Frustration name of game for Heed

GATESHEAD midfield man Luke Hannant was frustrated that Steve Watson’s homecoming was not marked by a victory.

Former Newcastle star Watson’s first home game as Gateshead manager brought a goalless stalemate against table-toppers Dover.

After two wins from three away games in charge, Watson was keen to get off on the front foot in front of the Heed Army.

But for the woodwork – struck twice by the lively Hannant – Tuesday’s win at Leyton Orient would have been backed up by another victory.

Gateshead were the better side and while they recorded another clean sheet, they failed to find the net for the first time under Watson.

Hannant said: “When you take into consideration the weather, and the fact Dover are top of the league, then it was a sound point.

“It could easily have been three and we’re looking to get wins now, we don’t just want to draw and get through games.”

The hard-running East Anglian came closer than anyone to getting the goal that would have brought a first win in four on home soil.

He cracked the bar midway through the first-half with a 16-yard volley, and then rattled the opposite bar a minute from time with a header.

“It’s getting frustrating, I can’t seem to buy a goal at the minute. I’ve just got to keep getting into those situations.”

Gateshead take a break from league action this weekend when they host Conference South highflyers Chelmsford City in the first round of the FA Cup.

With £18,000 in prize money and a place in the second round at stake, it is a game the Heed will be disappointed not to win.

A gale was blowing at the International Stadium on Saturday, the Tynesiders adapting to the elements much better than a direct Dover side.

Watson was disappointed not to get another win in front of a crowd of 816.

He said: “It was tough in the conditions because the ball wasn’t on the deck much, but we didn’t work the keeper enough.

“Ideally I would have liked to have won my first home game, but it was another clean sheet and there were positives.

“We were the team that played the football and created the chances. We just wanted one to go in, but it wasn’t to be.”

The Heed are 17th, six points from the play-offs, two wins and a draw Watson’s return from his first four games – victory in the Cup imperative.