APPRENTICE ROB TOPS HIS MASTER WOODMAN
GATESHEAD scored twice late on as the apprentice got the better of the sorcerer in a final day clash between two sides that had already booked their place in the end of season play-offs.
Bromley boss Andy Woodman had been Tynesiders interim manager Rob Elliot’s goalkeeping coach at Newcastle, but it was rookie Elliot who turned the tables on his confidant.
Both sides made a host of changes leaving out some of their big guns, and it showed in a tepid first half in which goalmouth incident was at a premium.
Bromley were the better organised and led through Olufela Olomola’s 12th minute strike, neither keeper making a save in the opening 45 minutes.
FA Trophy finalists Gateshead upped the ante after the break, peppering the Ravens goal with 17 attempts before getting the late goals they deserved through captain Greg Olley and defender Louis Storey.
Solihull’s late winner against York, however, denied the Heed home advantage against the Moors in Tuesday’s play-off eliminator.
Bromley, meanwhile, had already secured a top-three finish and can look forward to a week off before their big semi-final.
Gateshead boss Elliot was delighted to go into midweek with a win.
“Both teams had to make changes because of the situation,” said Elliot. “It was our fifth game in nine days but after a cagey first half, we really stepped on, dominated every area and were excellent. We’re delighted to reach Wembley in the FA Trophy and make the play-offs. Solihull will be a brilliant game between two good sides which will come down to moments.”
Myles Weston’s inviting curling delivery saw the Ravens break through early on, Olomola not tracked as he broke free to volley home from close range.
Ben Worman’s scuffed shot epitomised Gateshead’s limited threat in a dull opening half, but it was a different story after the restart.
Cardiff loanee Kieron Evans twice went close, while Luke Hannant’s cross-shot had to be clawed away at his back post by Ravens keeper Lewis Thomas.
Kain Adom then had a shot beaten away before Storey was judged to have impeded Louis Dennis in the box, Heed keeper James Montgomery marking his 30th birthday with a superb save from Dennis’ spot-kick.
That proved to be a turning point, Joe Grayson’s lob into the box seeing a composed Olley dink the ball in to the corner of the net.
Adom’s shot then struck the outside of the post before assistant manager Storey volleyed in to the roof of the net after substitute Dajaune Brown had headed Grayson’s 88th minute freekick across goal.
“Gateshead did well in the second half but there was a big moment when we missed a penalty that would have put us two-up,” Woodman said. STAR MAN: Louis Storey (Gateshead) ATT: 1,457 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Gareth Thomas