Heed fall at first hurdle to big spenders

AFTER reaching the semi-final of the FA Trophy last season, Gateshead crashed out in the first round, losing 3-1 at Vanarama National League favourites Salford City.

The Heed were in their tie until the final 10 minutes when former Hartlepool front man Devante Rodney came off the bench to score twice in two minutes and put the tie to bed.

Luke Armstrong, recalled by parent club Middlesbrough in January, scored a late consolation for Gateshead in a 3-1 defeat.

It was the former Blyth Spartans man’s ninth goal in 17 games for the Tynesiders, who are on the road again this weekend.

Steve Watson’s men head for relegation battling Maidstone, whose FA Trophy replay against Woking last night went to extratime.

Ever-present Boro loanee Aynsley Pears dropped to the bench to allow summer signing Mark Foden to make his Gateshead debut.

With Jon Mellish missing JJ O’Donnell made the most of a rare start with an enterprising display down the left.

Goalkeeper Foden, shaky early on, made some fine saves in the second half, but was beaten 10 minutes before the break.

Salford had rested 17-goal top scorer Adam Rooney and it was his replacement Mani Diesurvwe who broke the deadlock.

Diesurvwe headed home after ex-Tynesiders captain Liam Hogan had headed a corner across goal.

Gateshead were better offensively in the second period as they chased an equaliser, but were then undone by another corner.

Rodney was the beneficiary and he quickly made it three before Armstrong pounced at the death after Robbie Tinkler’s shot was spilt by Max Crocombe.