Heartache for Heed as Imps snatch victory

GATESHEAD manager Neil Aspin must wonder if he has run over a black cat after his side slipped to a fourth straight defeat yesterday, writes JEFF BOWRON.

The Heed had defeat snatched from the jaws of victory as champions-elect Lincoln City pinched a 2-1 victory on Tyneside.

There was no title or promotion party for the Imps’ huge 2,486strong travelling support in a bumper 3,770 Easter Monday crowd at the International Stadium.

Both were records – for the largest travelling support at the venue and Gateshead’s first 3,000plus crowd for a regular league game at the stadium.

That, and a first appearance from JJ O’Donnell on home soil for almost two and a half years after a career-threatening injury, were the high points.

However, a spirited Heed should have had at least a point to show for their efforts in a televised game which produced few chances.

Paddy McLaughlin’s penalty on the half-hour, won by the lively Luke Hannant, gave Gateshead the lead.

FA Cup quarter-finalists Lincoln had scored twice in the last five minutes on Good Friday to steal victory over lowly Torquay.

They left it even later yesterday, Matt Rhead’s 90th-minute equaliser coming from the spot after Jamal Fyfield handled.

Worse was to come for the Heed when Nathan Arnold found the roof of the net three minutes into injury time.

Gateshead had defended well against Lincoln’s aerial threat until Rhead headed on a long free-kick from former Tynesider Paul Farman (pictured).

The 27-year-old North Tynesideborn goalkeeper was released by Gateshead in 2012 and has spent the last five years at Lincoln.

Farman said: “A lot of people did not think I was good enough when I left Gateshead but going to Lincoln is the best thing that could have happened to me. I would love to have saved the penalty but to take the free-kick for the last-gasp winner was a great feeling.

“Losing late on is always hard to take and it was harsh on my former club - but for us it is another step towards the title and promotion.”

Deflated Aspin said: “We had a chance of stopping the rot today.

“We did not get what we deserved and have to make sure we come back stronger next season.”