IT’S FOUR ON THE TROT FOR HAPPY HEED TRAVELLERS

HAVANT & Waterlooville suffered their third successive single goal home defeat while Gateshead made it four consecutive away wins as they held out for victory at a sunny Westleigh Park.

Steve Rigg’s 56th-minute far-post header from Scott Barrow corner settled a cagey game and gave the Heed reward for their 676mile round trip as Steve Watson’s men surged into the play-off positions.

Delighted Watson said: “The goal was a wellworked set-piece to clinch the three points and ensure a happy long trip home.

“I was disappointed with our first half showing when we were second to everything. The second half we were much better, on the front foot, being more aggressive.”

Havant started the stronger with Nicke Kabamba laying on a great chance for strike partner Alfie Pavey, who hit a fierce shot just wide of the right hand post.

Kabamba’s low drive then whistled wide before Tyler Cordner’s header was superbly saved by Heed keeper Aynsley Pears.

Gateshead had to wait for 32 minutes for a shot on goal and that saw Rigg’s shot from distance saved comfortably by Ben Dudzinski

Hawks’ loan signing Will Wood fired a shot narrowly wide from 20 yards but in truth the first half failed to ignite.

Thankfully, the second half saw lot more attacking intent from both sides, looking to break the deadlock. Eventually, 11 minutes into the restart, it was Gateshead who got the break – Rigg’s close range effort cannoning off the post and from the resulting corner, the striker headed home easily at the far post. Havant were now chasing the game and started to apply considerable pressure, but didn’t really trouble Pears and a rock solid defence stood strong. Star man Rigg then hit a superb curling effort from just outside the Havant area which was brilliantly turned over at full stretch by Dudzinzki. Substitute Ryan Woodford then nearly settled the game for the visitors as a misplaced back pass saw Rigg with a free run on goal but Dudzinzki came out bravely to block his effort. The result takes Gateshead into the final play-off spot but Lee Bradbury’s Hawks must start winning soon, ensconced in the relegation zone. Bradbury commented: “This was another frustrating day. Gateshead are good at set pieces and scored with a far post header, another smash and grab. My team need to be stronger because today we were not good enough in both boxes. The ball is just not dropping for us. “However, we can’t feel sorry for ourselves. Unfortunately it was the same script, different day…!”

STAR MAN: Steven Rigg (Gateshead) ATT: 1,259 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Lloyd Wood 7/10