IRON FACE THE WRATH OF HEED
SCUNTHORPE United last played at Gateshead back in 1957 on their way to the old Third Division North title – this time they are heading for the sixth tier of English football.
The Iron won 2-1 on Tyneside six decades ago but, just like fellow strugglers Yeovil in midweek, they failed to lay a glove on a resurgent and inform Gateshead.
The Heed strolled to a fourth straight league win in their own quest to avoid the National League trapdoor, despite being without the services of seven players.
They were already two goals to the good – courtesy of strikes from Greg Olley and StephenWearne – when Iron midfielder Tom Pugh was sent off seven minutes before the break for lashing out at Kamil Conteh.
That rendered the second half a formality, attack against defence, pragmatism from Gateshead and damage limitation for an insiped Scunthorpe outfit.
“It was really pleasing result for us,” said injured Gateshead player-manager Mike Williamson. “We started really well and created some good chances.
“Scunthorpe had ten men behind the ball in the second half, which made things difficult. We were probing and looking for a third goal, but it wasn’t to be. We have so many games coming up, load to get through and miles on the road and we now focus on Altrincham.”
A free-flowing Gateshead had already created four openings before captain Olley opened the scoring on 17 minutes. An impressive move involving five players saw Conteh find new boy Wearne on the left of the box. Reagan Ogle cut out the first cross but the second was chested down by Olley, who then arrowed a fine drive into the far top corner.
The Iron had their backs against the wall and it was no surprise when Gateshead doubled their lead just past the half hour. Wearne worked a one-two with Olley inside the penalty area and then stroked the ball into the bottom corner from 12-yards.
If that wasn’t game over it was five minutes later when the red mist descended on Pugh.
Cameron Wilson volleyed over the bar at the back post in a rare Iron raid, the demoralised visitors managing only one effort at goal in a one-sided second half.
“It was bad from start to finish,” admitted manager Jimmy Dean. “Once the red card happened I feared the worst and that the floodgates could open.
“It’s embarrassing and I can only apologise to the fans on behalf of the players and myself for the last few performances because it’s not been good enough.”