EDDIE’S SO STEADY
GATESHEAD 3 NORTH LEIGH 2
EDDIE Thomas netted a dramatic late winner to inflict a first defeat of the season on North Leigh and help Gateshead complete a league and cup double at the Sixways Stadium.
Thomas kept his cool to roll the ball past Leigh keeper Timmy Mungall three minutes from the end as the Heed fought back from 2-0 down to seal victory.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Gateshead goalkeeper Josh Wilson.
“The team deserve credit for playing our football despite their difficult first half.”
Leigh – unbeaten in the league – started on top and took a deserved lead on 22 22 minutes. A pin-point pass found top scorer Josh Hedges inside the box and he lifted the ball over Wilson into the Gateshead net.
Hedges has scored over 40 goals in his side’s league campaign and was proving almost unplayable for the Heed defence.
He had a hand in the second goal as when a slaloming run into the box was ended illegally and Connor Barrett nonchalantly slotted home the resulting penalty penanka-style to give Heed a mountain to climb.
Rhys McLeod half-tested Mungall for the first time just before the break but the Millers were seemingly cruising.
But with just over 20 minutes to go, the Heed had hope. Nelson Ogbewe’s deflected shot was adjudged to have just crossed the line and Gateshead were back in it at 2-1.
Seven minutes later, a slice of good fortune levelled the tie. A Gateshead shot appeared to be creeping over the line, Leigh defender Owen Dore desperately intervened but could only help the ball into the back of the net.
And the comeback was complete just three minutes from the end when a mix-up between Mungall and his defender resulted in the ball falling to Thomas and he slotted the ball into the empty net to spark wild celebrations.
Heed will now be looking towards the latest batch of youngsters to maintain the standards in Academy North next season.