Rigg’s brace secures another win on road
HEED heroes Steven Rigg and Aynsley Pears saluted another superb result on the road after a 2-0 win at Dagenham.
Rigg scored both goals - his first for four months - while Pears saved a second-half penalty to down Dagenham and Redbridge.
It was a ninth away victory for Gateshead and a third league double - one which took them into the top six.
The Tynesiders now face a massive home game against title contenders Wrexham on Saturday.
The Welshmen will head to the North East as new league leaders if they win at out-of-form Boreham Wood tomorrow night.
New Gateshead manager Ben Clark has yet to taste defeat after five games in charge as the Heed continue to confound the odds.
Clark said: “I was delighted with the win, though we were not at our best.
“Pears played well in goal and I was delighted for Rigg.
“He is a dream to work with. His overall performances since I became manager have been brilliant and he deserved his goals.
“We were lucky to win the penalty and to be leading at half-time.
“However, we were much better in the second half and scored a good second goal.”
Dagenham defender Kenny Clark had already hit the bar and Lamar Reynolds’ effort was cleared off the line by Robbie Tinkler when Rigg struck.
Daggers’ centre-back Manny Onariase was judged to have impeded Mike Williamson after Tom White floated a 41st-minute cross to the back post.
Contact was minimal, Rigg ending his 19-game goal drought from the spot before doubling the lead 10 minutes into the second half.
Jon Mellish’s run and Scott Barrow’s dink into the box saw Greg Olley square the ball for Rigg to slot home from close range.
In-form Boro goalkeeper Pears then prevented Dagenham from getting back in it when he saved Connor Wilkinson’s 73rd-minute penalty.
It was the pick of a string of important saves from the England youth international, who believes Gateshead can continue their promotion push.
Pears said: “It is nice to be in the top six and there is no reason why we cannot stay there.
“We are enjoying the ride and will see where it takes us.”