Gateshead refuse to lie down in defeat
Nov 16 2009 The Journal
Stevenage Borough 5, Gateshead 3
GATESHEAD took title-chasing Stevenage Borough all the way at a wet and windy Broadhall Way but paid the price for a crazy six-minute period before the break and some indifferent defending.
The Tynesiders conceded five goals and Stevenage three for the first time this season in front of a 2,000 plus crowd with home striker Charlie Griffin scoring four goals – including Gateshead’s opener.
Ahead in the 38th minute, Gateshead somehow found themselves trailing 3-1 at the break with Griffin atoning for his earlier own goal with a brace.
The Stevenage striker went on to complete his hat-trick after the break where a double from Daryl Clare ensured Gateshead would not lie down.
A long-range injury time Michael Bostock strike finally confirmed all three points would be staying in Hertfordshire, much to the frustration of Gateshead boss Ian Bogie.
“We were very comfortable in the first half and to be two goals adrift at the break after taking the lead was hard to take,” said Bogie.
“We let Stevenage back in with a defensive error and were then hit with two injury-time goals which completely turned the game on its head.
“Apart from the defensive lapses it was a good performance against a side second in the table who had lost only once in the league.
“We showed plenty of character to hit back after the break and with the score at 4-3 Peter Winn hit the post, with their fifth coming in injury time as we poured forward.”
Charlie Griffin had an eventful afternoon for the hosts heading a Craig Baxter free-kick into his own net for Gateshead’s opener but then scoring twice before the break.
Yemi Odubade was also on the scoresheet after Paul Farman had saved from Mitchell Cole, but Gateshead refused to lie down and were back in it when Clare found the net on 68 minutes.
Within four minutes however Griffin bent a free-kick around the defensive wall and though Clare again reduced the gap to one goal Bostock’s long-range effort finally confirmed victory.
STEVENAGE BOROUGH: Day; Henry (Odhiambo 53), Ashton, Roberts, Laird, Drury (Beardsley 65), Bridges, Bostwick, Cole, Griffin, Odubade (Vincenti 83). Subs (not used): Bayes, Long.
Booked: Ashton.
Goals: Griffin 40, 45, Odubade 45, Griffin 73, Bostwick 90.
GATESHEAD: Farman; Baxter, Curtis, Clare, Cave, Winn, Gate, Turnbull (Francis 77), Williams, Armstrong (One 68), Harwood (Haworth 64). Subs (not used): Provett, Pelonde.
Booked: Armstrong.
Goals: Griffin 38 og, Clare 69, 81.
Attendance: 2,203.
Referee: D Ford (Reading).
