FIVE-STAR HEED SHOW QUALITY
GATESHEAD ended Colne’s record-break- ing FA Cup run with a four-goal second half blast.
Until then the Lancashire minnows were right in an enthralling tie. But eventually the Heed’s extra quality prevailed with enterprising play and good finishes.
Colne were looking to claim a third North East scalp in the FA Cup but Gateshead were a step too far. It was a sixth straight home win without conceding for Mike Williamson’s men and five players scored.
Colne boss Steve Cunningham was left disappointed, but proud. “It was a strange game and I don’t think it was a 5-0 result,” said Cunningham. “We were brilliant in the first 20 minutes and had two great chances.
“The difference was the chances Gateshead got they took, and that’s the difference in levels. They are a very good team, who move the ball around really well and are a good footballing side. The game was played in a really good spirit, especially considering the weather, and I’m proud of my boys.”
Colne showed no cup nerves in an opening quarter to the game that they edged in the Tyneside rain.
Sefton Gonzales, set up by Aiden Chippendale, had a golden opportunity to put the underdogs in front.
The striker, however, failed to pull the trigger and Brad James gathered. Dom Tear had the first of a number of chances that fell the wide man’s way before Kayode struck on 27 minutes.
JJ O’Donnell, who had cup glory for Luton at Norwich, slipped in the on-loan Millers man. Kayode made no mistake lashing the ball in in the Heed’s first major threat on goal. Defender Matt Makinson also had to be replaced.
Gateshead’s second did not come until nine minutes into the second half. Connor Hughes had missed a chance to level before the break. The influential O’Donnell again slipped in Kayode, who was brought down by Reds’ keeper Hakran Burton.
Burton atoned by superbly saving Kayode’s spot kick and follow-up, only for O’Donnell to find the net.
There was no way back for Colne as Gateshead, two divisions higher in the pyramid, turned on the style.
Greg Olley found the far top corner with a beauty and then sub Paul Blackett got in on the act. Released by Olley, the striker shot under Hassan three minutes from time, Jordan Preston then completing the rout.
“I’m delighted with the display and result,” said player-manager Mike Williamson. “Credit to Colne, but we got the job done and scored some good goals.”