The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Late leveller shows our recent progress – Elliot
ROB Elliot believes Gateshead’s lastgasp draw against National League rivals Eastleigh is a clear indication of how far his side have come in recent weeks.
The Heed looked to be on their way to their first defeat in three games as they were frustrated by a visiting side that showed little attacking intent for large parts of a difficult 90 minutes at the International Stadium.
After staying dogged and disciplined throughout the game, an Eastleigh side managed by former Sunderland director of football Richard Hill seemed to have snatched an undeserved three points with a stunning long-range effort from Enzo Boldewijn just nine minutes into the second half.
Despite hitting the woodwork on three occasions and seeing one effort cleared from the line, time seemed to be running out on Gateshead as the game entered the fifth minute of second-half injury time.
However, with one final push forward, Elliot’s men were awarded a penalty for a handball from a Spitfires defender, and Luke Hannant kept his cool to beat goalkeeper Richard Mcdonnell from 12 yards and ensured his side gained some reward for their perseverance throughout the game.
Reflecting with mixed emotions on a game that could and perhaps should have delivered more, former Newcastle United keeper Elliot praised his players for their effort and commitment after they earned seven points from a difficult trio of fixtures against Barnet, Southend United and Eastleigh.
He told The Chronicle: “The evolution of the side is that in the last few games when teams have come here and played that way we have got frustrated.
“We didn’t get anything from games like this in the past, but we stuck at it and got some reward from the game.
“I am disappointed with the goal we conceded because it comes from nothing but a big kick forward and not defending the corner.
“I thought our perseverance and our play was excellent at times and the lads that came off the bench really took our tempo up even further. To a man, everyone has played their part in helping us get seven points from the last three games. “I am gutted it’s not nine points but I am so proud of the boys that we have taken seven because it’s reward for their effort and their commitment.”
Gateshead will return to action on Saturday when they look to move into the quarter-final of the FA Trophy with a win at National League North club Hereford.
Blyth Spartans also snatched a late draw from a challenging fixture on Tuesday night as they held National League North title contenders Scunthorpe United at Croft Park.
After three previous attempts to play the fixture were frustrated by postponements, a depleted Spartans side produced a hardworking and committed performance against their big-spending visitors.
Former Gateshead loan signing Danny Elliott put the Iron in front with ten minutes remaining but Spartans stayed in the game and seized a point deep in injury time with a goal from Will Mcgowan.
Spennymoor Town gave themselves some breathing space from the National League North relegation zone as they came from a goal down to win at Southport.
The hosts took the lead on the quarter-hour mark through Josh Hmami, but goals from Ben Pollock and recent signing Mika Ndjoli gave Moors boss Graeme Lee his first win.