Heeding into pre-christmas break on a high

RELIEF AT FIRST WIN IN SIX GAMES

A JORDAN Preston super strike put Gateshead on the way to their first win in six games.

The scores were tied going in to the closing stages when Preston struck a “goal of the season” contender.

Fellow front man Josh Kayode added gloss to the final score with his second of the game in stoppage time.

It was just what the Heed required ahead of a two-week break ahead of the busy festive period. Relieved playermanager Mike Williamson said: “I’m delighted in what was a hardfought win, and we were excellent in the first half.

“It could have been more than one at the break and then Alfreton came out in the second half and put us on the back foot.

“They equalised but we showed real character and resilience to push on and forge our passing game on them.

“We got the win that we fully deserved and I’m delighted for Kayode and Preston up front.

“We’ve been on the back of a few disappointing results when we’ve outplayed sides and not got our rewards. Today the work-rate and endeavour really paid off. We were relentless and got the win we needed.” Gateshead continued with their new 3-5-2 system with new signing Jake Cooper slotting in seamlessly at the back.

Williamson went with two front men at home for the first time and it paid off, with Kayode and Preston both finding the net.

It was a clash between two sides struggling for results and the Heed should have been home and hosed by the break.

Kayode struck early, arrowing a low shot into the far bottom corner inside a crowded penalty area. Elliot Forbes should have made it two on the half hour but headed over from close in with the goal at his mercy.

There was another head in hands moment on the half hour when Forbes picked Josh Thacker’s pocket inside the box.

Kayode fired wastefully over, Alfreton’s only threat an Amari Morgan-smith free kick that Brad Jones tipped over.

Gateshead lost their way early in the second half, Thacker firing a warning with a 24-yard drive against the bar. Morgan-smith then headed down Nyal Blake’s cross for Dale Witham to sweep home 10 minutes in.

Undeterred, the Heed regained the ascendancy, Preston’s shot cleared off the line by Reds namesake Danny Preston.

A great volleyed clearance from James then saw Preston cut inside to fire a stunning rocket into the far top corner.

Rotherham loanee Kayode then turned Shane Killock inside out inside the box to slot home the third at the death.

I’m delighted in what was a hardfought win, and we were excellent in

the first half.

Mike Williamson