Heed still on the hunt for that elusive first win
GATESHEAD are still searching for their first win and clean sheet since promotion.
They suffered their first defeat since returning to the Vanarama National League. The Heed conceded two goals in three first-half minutes at fellow new boys Dorking Wanderers before Adam Campbell pulled one back with his third goal from the opening four games.
Gateshead had their chances to force a fourth straight draw but instead had nothing to show for their 626mile round trip to Surrey.
Player-manager Mike Williamson was more than disappointed with his side’s efforts on Dorking’s plastic pitch.
“We weren’t good enough from top to bottom, including me, down to every player on the pitch,” he said.
“You could see it wasn’t for a lack of trying, but we lacked a bit of guile today.
“Overall, on chances created and possession, I reckon we would have won all the stats in that respect, but we didn’t win goals for, which is the only stat that matters.
“The process wasn’t good enough, but just because we have been defeated doesn’t mean it is all negative and there are zero positives.
“But I can’t reiterate the fact that we weren’t good enough and we have got to make sure that we are better.”
Williamson was one of three central defenders on the Heed bench along with keeper James Montgomery, who had started the first three games, surprisingly dropping to the bench.
On loan Newcastle keeper Dan Langley came in for his Gateshead debut, Greg Olley and Adam Campbell with early efforts on the Wanderers goal, Campbell then just wide with another effort.
Gateshead had started well but it all unravelled when they were hit by two quickfire goals.
Langley was unable to gather Niall Mcmanus’ cross and James Mcshane was on hand to put Dorking on course for their first home win.
The midfielder then added a fatal
We weren’t good enough from top to
bottom, including me, down to every player on the pitch
Mike Williamson
second when he saw Langley off his line and he dinked a superb effort over the flailing keeper.
Paul Blackett had a chance to reduce the deficit, but his back post header from Campbell’s back post cross was wide. Langley saved Cheadle’s 25-yard free kick at the other end, Slavomir Huk then saving well from Blackett just before the break.
The Heed started the second half on the front foot, Dan Ward forcing a save from Huk after cutting in from the right. Owen Bailey Headed a good chance straight into Huk’s hands before Gateshead were given a lifeline on 70 minutes.
Campbell, set up by Bailey, finished with aplomb and they were almost level four minutes later.
Louis Storey worked a one-two with Campbell, but Huk again rose to the occasion, Dorking sub Ryan Seager close to putting the game to bed.
An equaliser wasn’t forthcoming and Gateshead will now look to get off the mark at home to Wealdstone next weekend.
DORKING WANDERERS: Huk; Philpot, Gallagher, Cheadle, Moore, J. Taylor,
JEBB, Mcmanus (Mekki 60), B. Taylor, Mcshane (Seager 45), Rutherford (El-abd 62). Subs (not used) Wheeler, Ottaway
GATESHEAD: Montgomery; Tinkler, Richardson, Storey, Pye; Ward, Olley,
BAILEY; Allan (Forbes 40), Blackett (Harris 72), Campbell. Subs (not used) Montgomery (gk), Williamson, Magnay
REFEREE: Sam Mulhall