HEED ARE FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
GATESHEAD overcame gale force conditions on Tyneside and stubborn underdogs Macclesfield to make it back-to-back Wembley appearances in the Isuzu FA Trophy.
The strong wind ruined the semi-final as a spectacle but National League play-off chasers Gateshead got the job done to end Macclesfield’s superb Trophy run.
The reformed Silkmen had scored 21 goals and conceded just three in their seven Trophy ties, but were behind inside five minutes in front of a 3,000-strong crowd at the International Stadium.
Ben Worman’s opener was followed by a well-taken second after 25 minutes from Callum Whelan, Ed Francis later denied by the inside of the post.
Facing the teeth of the gale Macc’s only effort at goal in the first half came in the 45th minute when Sam Heathcote’s 22yard effort was straight at Heed keeper James Montgomery.
With the wind now behind them it took the Silkmen just 73 seconds to pull a goal back after the restart, Kane Drummond with a fine diagonal drive into the far corner.
Rob Elliot’s men saw the game out to clinch the first of what the Tynesiders hope will be two visits to Wembley this season.
“The conditions absolutely ruined the game,” said interim manager Elliot. “Macclesfield are a really good team and it had the makings of a good game, though I thought we played the conditions better.
“We kept the ball and nullified their momentum when they did get it. Their lad scored a great goal but our mentality to see out the game was absolutely brilliant.
“It got a bit crazy at times, even safety wise. We should have got a third in the first half and a penalty in the second but it was another fantastic day for the club.”
Both mobile dug outs had to be abandoned due to the high wind with only the respective manager allowed to stand in the technical area.
Gateshead got off to the start they were looking for when Greg Olley found Dajaune Brown whose low cross was swept home by Worman. Derby loanee Brown then dragged a shot wide before Whelan found the far corner with a fine finish to double the advantage.
Macc then had a let-off when Francis’ angled drive hit the inside of the far post and then the keeper before being smuggled clear.
Drummond’s low shot into the far corner from the right edge of the box saw the Silkmen half the deficit straight after the break.
Olley’s shot on the turn was then beaten away by diving Macc keeper Ollie Byrne and then Drummond slipped in Tre Pemberton who shot past an advancing Montgomery but wide of the near post. STAR MAN: Luke Hannant (Gateshead) ATT: 3,031 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Declan Bourne