Luke who’s had the last laugh, dad!
LUKE Armstrong put one over on his dad as Gateshead finished pre-season unbeaten with five wins and a draw, writes JEFF BOWRON.
The on-loan Middlesbrough striker scored a hat-trick against his former club as the Heed won 3-1 at Blyth Spartans.
The Croft Park club are managed by father Alun Armstrong, the pair travelling together to the game.
Armstrong junior said: “It was a bit of a weird one being in the car with the opposition’s gaffer.
“When you are out on the pitch you are just thinking about playing the best you can.
“I was delighted we gained the win in the end and I scored three goals - I am buzzing for the start of the season now.”
Gateshead manager Steve Watson was delighted to finish the warm-up campaign unbeaten and to sign off with a win.
He said: “It was a perfect for the final game of pre-season.
“It was a good, competitive match and a proper test.
“Luke was outstanding. His dad is going to be as proud as punch, even though he will not be happy with the result.”
The game also marked the first appearance of on-loan Middlesbrough goalkeeper Aynsley Pears and ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson.
England youth international Pears, 20, has joined Gateshead for the full season, Williamson expected to sign this week.
Watson added: “I am still looking to bring two or three players in as the squad is still thin.”
On Williamson, Watson said: “It was great to see Mike out on the pitch.
“He has only trained two or three days with us and has not played at all in pre-season.
“We will have a chat about that scenario with him. He has played at the top level and would be a great addition if he joins us.”