Disappointing draw for Heed

GATESHEAD had to settle for a share of the spoils at relegationthreatened AFC Telford after a below par performance in Shropshire.

The National League North leaders pressed the self destruct button early on to gift wrap the opening goal for the struggling Bucks. Further defensive errors could have been punished before Gateshead gained control of the game after a disappointing opening half hour.

They finished strongly after Owen Bailey’s 70th minute header restored parity but couldn’t find the winner at the New Bucks Head.

Title rivals Kidderminster Harriers, who the Heed host next Saturday in a huge sixpointer, lost at bottom club Farsley Celtic but second-top Brackley won.

Player-manager Mike Williamson believes the point at Telford could turn out to be a good one come the end of the season: “It was a good point from a below par performance,” said Williamson. “The game was littered by mistakes when we had possession.

“There are going to be days when our quality is lacking, but there was a determination and a desire, which was good to see.

“The boys are disappointed and frustrated, but we take the point and move on.

“They left everything on the pitch and that is all you can ask for really.”

AFC TELFORD: Pilling; Melhado, Piggott, Streete, Burke; Nolan; Ward, Moore (Wright 85), Daniels (Lilley 76); Goodridge; Oswell

Subs (not used): Baker, Shaw, Sherif

GATESHEAD: Marschall; Tinkler, Nicholson, Storey, Jacob (Charters 65); Bailey; Greenfield (Ward 79), Olley; Campbell; Langstaff, Scott

Subs: (not used) Pani, Hunter