HEED HIT BEES ON THE HOP!
SUPERSUB Kain Adom enjoyed a dream debut as Gateshead came from behind to claim an impressive double over third-placed Barnet.
The Bees’ winless run against the Heed stretched to seven games as, for the second time in a week, they slipped to defeat up north after spurning a number of good chances.
Gateshead looked like a side with eight players out in a disjointed first-half display that Barnet should have capitalised on more than the one goal scored by 19-goal hit-man Nicke Kabamba on the half hour.
Kabamba’s push on his marker inside the box went unnoticed and he duly planted a powerful header in to the far top corner – a good finish that shouldn’t have stood.
The Bees also hit the post in each half, but lost their way in the second and were undone by Luke Hannant’s super strike and an 83rd minute home debut winner from new boy Adom.
It was the Heed’s first home victory since November and one that delighted interim manager Rob Elliot.
“The result was better than the performance,” he said. “But considering the huge turn around and the amount of players we have lost over the last few weeks I was really proud of them.
“Barnet were very direct and we had to stand up to that. It was a clear foul for their goal and while we rode our luck at times we also showed some brilliant composure to come out on top.”
Barnet’s profligacy in front of goal manifested itself early as they spurned four chances inside three minutes before the clock had ticked on ten minutes.
Kabamba or Reece Hall-Johnson looked certain scorers from close range but both went for the same ball, which was scuffed wide of the post.
Kabamba then intercepted a short pass from Heed keeper Eddie Beach, who redeemed himself with a save, Anthony Hartigan’s low drive taking a nick to hit the base of the post.
The Heed were all over the place and after Connor McBride’s shot was blocked play swung to the other end where Kabamba’s disputed header broke the deadlock.
Parity was restored when a half-cleared cross on the hour saw Hannant volley a beauty into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Hall-Johnson, later to head against the post, saw his deflected angled drive just clear the bar before Cardiff loanee Kieron Evans slipped Adom in on the right channel and his low drive beat Josh Keeley at his near post to clinch a comeback victory.
“It was a difficult result to take,” said Bees boss Dean Brennan. “I thought we played outstanding and had so many brilliant chances, but weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal.
“We could have put the game to bed before halftime. The equaliser was an absolute worldy and the second a turn-over – the better team lost today.”
STAR MAN: Luke Hannant (Gateshead) ATT: 1,098 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Kirsty Dowle