Gateshead 2, Crawley Town 1

Nov 30 2009 by Jeff Bowron, The Journal

GATESHEAD manager Ian Bogie has labelled on-loan striker Daryl Clare ‘the master’ after the Republic of Ireland B international’s performance in the narrow win over Crawley Town.

Clare tucked away Gateshead’s 73rd-minute equaliser, his sixth goal in the last three league games, and then created Kris Gate’s winner with an exquisite pass. The 31-year-old will be a huge miss tomorrow when Gateshead host fifth-top Mansfield Town as he is not allowed to face his parent club.

With attacking options limited Clare was forced to plough a lone furrow up front for an hour against a depleted Crawley before the introduction of fit-again striker Steven Richardson.

Clare blotted his copybook early in the second half when he made a hash of a clear opening from Craig Baxter’s cross but otherwise brought guile and craft to the Tynesiders front line.

“The lads were laughing in the dressing room because I have called Clare ‘the master’,” said Bogie. “But that is exactly what he is for us as the ball sticks when we play it into his feet.

“His touch and ability to bring others into the game are second to none. He has always been a proven goalscorer but his all round game is fantastic and he’ll be a miss against Mansfield.”

Despite his heroics Clare was outshone by Tynesiders captain Kris Gate whose runs from deep were rewarded with a goal and an assist. “Gate was magnificent and gave a real captain’s performance,” added Bogie. “We needed a bit of magic to get us back into the game and he came up with a great run for Clare’s goal. We had lost a bit of belief after a bright opening but showed great character to fight back and win the game.”

Gate had a great chance in the first minute but was denied by Simon Rayner and then, after Ben Smith had clipped the outside of the home post, Michael Malcolm fired the Reds ahead.