Moor Heed misery as year ends with defeat
GATESHEAD suffered a disappointing end to a turbulent 2020 when they signed off with a derby defeat against Spennymoor Town.
The Heed, held by bottom club Blyth on Boxing Day, were beaten 3-1 on their own patch by a slick Moors outfit.
Player-manager Mike Williamson had been given a headache before a ball was kicked at the International Stadium.
Four-goal loanee Ged Garner, who made both goals in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Croft Park, has been recalled by parent club Fleetwood Town.
Rotherham United centre-back Jake Cooper has also departed and there was further bad news on the goalkeeper front.
England youth international Ollie Battersby, who made his Heed debut at Blyth, has been recalled by Grimsby Town.
Gateshead’s firepower, meanwhile, was further blunted when former Sunderland striker Jordan Cook saw red against Spennymoor.
The ex-Charlton and Luton man received his marching orders midway through the first half following a bad challenge on Adriano Moke.
Gateshead were already behind after Glen Taylor’s early closerange strike set an impressive Spennymoor on the road to victory.
Former Tynesiders midfielder Rob Ramshaw scored twice in the second half before Greg Olley pulled one back at the death with a great strike.
The defeat stretched Gateshead’s winless run to five games ahead of Saturday’s rematch against Blyth Spartans.
Williamson has irons in the fire to compensate for the loss of Cooper and Garner, with Cook and Jack Hunter now facing suspensions.
Former Premier League defender Williamson made his first league start of the season yesterday – and pulled no punches.
Williamson said: “I have got to take responsibility, because ultimately, we weren’t good enough.
“We can say the sending-off influenced the 90 minutes, but for me it didn’t change the fact that Spennymoor were better than us.
“Between both boxes we looked pleasing on the eye, but we were found wanting today – and that comes back to me.
“Our reaction to disappointment in both boxes wasn’t good enough, and that’s offensively and defensively.
“I was on the pitch, so I have to take responsibility for that.”
For Williamson, who has just signed a new rolling contract, it is a period for self-reflection.
“We weren’t doing what we needed to be doing, and whether that’s the personnel or the coaching, it comes back to me.
“I’ve got to take full responsibility and make sure we have a reaction against Blyth, which is a massive game, this weekend.”
With the influential Garner gone Gateshead could now recall forward Paul Blackett from his long-term loan at Blyth.
Cook, meanwhile, now faces three games on the side- lines as Gateshead look to get back on track.
“These results will define us,” added Williamson.
“If we regroup and go again this can be a positive in the bigger picture of the season.”