Heed are a Lang way ahead of Leamington
TOP GUN Macaulay Langstaff’s second-half double saw Gateshead beat Leamington 3-1 in front of their biggest league attendance of the season.
A 1,300-strong crowd at the International Stadium did not witness the high-scoring Tynesiders at anywhere near their free-flowing best.
However, despite a scare when Leamington levelled early in the second half, Langstaff’s brace saw the Heed rack up their 16th win from 22 league games.
Langstaff now has 18 goals, three more than Cedwyn Scott who was unlucky not to score off the bench at the death.
Gateshead are now three points clear at the top of Vanarama National League North and will remain in pole position when they travel to York City on Saturday.
It will be the Heed’s first visit to York’s new LNER Stadium at Monks Cross with a large travelling following expected.
That will see Langstaff return to his former club, where he was released by the Minstermen’s former manager Steve Watson.
Langstaff was delighted to add to his tally against Leamington and for the side to make it nine wins from ten at home in the league.
He said: “It was massive to get the three points and keep the momentum going when we were not at our best.
“Leamington made it tough for us at times but the quality we have came through in the end.”
Langstaff’s first midway through the second period was from the penalty spot after his deflected cross was handled by Sam Wilding.
Golden Boot rival Scott had taken and scored the Heed’s previous spot kick but Langstaff was quick to take responsibility against the Brakes.
He added: “I was a bit annoyed with myself when I missed a big chance in the first half so I was keen to grab the ball when we were given the penalty.
“To get that goal and another one after that, I am delighted.”
The deadlock was broken on the stroke of half time when Langstaff’s shotwas parried into the path of Adam Campbell, who forced the ball home.
However, when Kelsey Mooney’s shot straight at Jacob Chapman the Heed goalkeeper spilt the ball and Junior English knocked home the equaliser on 49 minutes.
Chapman atoned with a flying save from Mooney, Langstaff then reclaiming the lead before finding the far corner late on.