Match Report: Gateshead vs Solihull Moors
Solihull Moors suffered late, late heartbreak at Gateshead International Stadium, conceding a last-gasp equaliser to deny us our first win of the season.
New signing Ryan Woods came straight into the starting 11, bringing vast experience to the midfield and shielding the defence well on his debut.
The Moors started the game on the front foot and threatened the home sides goal on several occasions. A cross from Matty Carson almost caught out Gateshead goalkeeper Peter Jameson, narrowly floating past the far post.
Joe Sbarra looked lively and put several dangerous balls into the box, none of which came to anything, but it showed great attacking intent from Chris Millington's side.
Captain Alex Whitmore denied the home side from getting a shot away when they broke on a counter-attack, but the majority of the half belonged to The Moors.
Ben Wodskou had the best chances of the half, the first effort was just off-target following a good ball into the box from Jamie Andrews. The striker then had two glorious opportunities, first getting on the end of a deflection to get his shot away, which was magnificently saved by the keeper, and then his second attempt was also brilliantly kept out as Jameson desperately clung on to his clean-sheet.
Gateshead made a double substitution and changed their formation at the start of the second half, with the Tynesiders looking to break up the momentum Solihull were building up before the break. The opening stages were much more even than the first half, with Lee Cattermole's side seeing a lot more of the ball in the middle of the park.
The Moors were forced into a change shortly after, Whitmore, who had been involved in several heavy challenges, made way for Tyler French, only just returning from injury himself.
Carson put in several dangerous corners that Solihull just couldn't get on the end of, and also had a free-kick well cleared away from danger as we pushed for a much-needed opening goal.
Gateshead sub Spellman came on and added more creativity the home side, creating a couple of openings for his team-mates, who were unlucky not to make more of the chances.
Scott High hit a half-chance high over the bar, following another good run down the left by Sbarra, who had cut the ball back to the midfielder 10 yards out.
Andrews was forced into pulling a Gateshead player down as they had the Moors outnumbered at the back, the yellow card he received was the epitome of taking one for the team.
Callum McFarlane was introduced for the final half an hour as Millington's men looked for that elusive winning goal.
Max Metcalfe, who had much quieter afternoon in goal than previous games, did very well to rush out and collect a through-ball that was destined for the Gateshead striker about 8 yards out.
Jacob Wakeling couldn't believe he hadn't given his side the lead when Jameson was yet again the hero for the home team, the goalkeeper somehow finger-tipping the attackers shot onto a combination of post and crossbar. Desperately unlucky from our number 9.
Another dangerous corner caused confusion in the Gateshead box, High skewing his shot straight to Tyler French, who's effort was scooped over the bar and onto the roof of the net.
Shortly after, Wakeling beat his man down the left, and put an almost inch-perfect cross in for McFarlane, the substitute going painfully close to poking the ball into the net.
Jevon Mills, solid at the back throughout, also came within inches of getting a touch on the ball from a few yards out from another corner.
A long throw ended up at the feet of Gateshead's Holgate, but he couldn't keep his shot down.
Mills had a good header well saved following a cross into the box, the defender stooping down to get his head to the ball at the far post, whilst doing well not to be wrestled to the floor by the defender.
PENALTY - 86' Sbarra took a great touch in his stride to get into the box, before laying the ball to Wakeling, and just as he set himself to hit a left-footed shot inside the area, the striker was clumsily taken down. Penalty to The Moors!
GOAL - 87' Moors. Callum McFarlane took the responsibility and calmly tucked the penalty away into the left-hand corner, sending the keeper the wrong way. 0-1
The Moors, within touching distance of those precious three points, looked to be heading for that first win, Wakeling dispossessing a defender before firing low effort at the feet of the goalkeeper.
After a Gateshead attack, French went down with a worrying looking injury, the defender, in only his first game back since his previous injury, then had to be replaced by Justin Hanks.
Goal - 93' Gateshead. An attack down the Gateshead left looked like it had been cut out, Hanks taking control of the ball and laying back to what he thought was his own man, only to see Micky Spellman racing through to collect the ball, before rounding Metcalfe and slotting into the net. 1-1. Utter devastation for The Moors.
Full time, it ends all square, 1-1
Once the dust settles, and as much as the ending will hurt, it's as close to a win as we've been all season and that first point is on the board. The fight, determination and attitude from every single player cannot be doubted, and as their reaction at the end showed, they're all gutted. One thing that today proved yet again is we're all in this together. Moors fans, you were incredible yet again today, all 59 that travelled the 3 and a half hour, 200+ mile journey, we appreciate each and every one of you.
Attendance
Travelling Moors fans - 59
Total attendance - 596
Next up for The Moors is a return to Damson Park ahead of a double header of home games, first we face Leeds United U21's in the National League Cup on the 8th September, 7pm kick-off, followed by a visit from Aldershot Town on the 12th September, 3pm kick-off. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tickets for the Leeds United U21's are free, but still need to be claimed. To claim your tickets, please visit the link below -
https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/solihull_moors_v_leeds_national_league_cup?version=m
Ticket details for the Aldershot fixture will be announced in due course.
COYM!💛💙
Written by Scott Cattell
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