Gateshead 1-0 Southport

08/09/2010, by Jeff Bowron

Craig Nelthorpe struck a dramatic 90th minute winner as Gateshead finally scored their first home goal of the season at the third attempt to end Southport's five match unbeaten run.

The Tynesiders thoroughly deserved the win but they left it late as Nelthorpe fired a right foot shot into the roof of the net following good work from sub. Josh Gillies.

Gateshead, however, should have put the game to bed in an enterprising opening 45 minutes that saw them pepper the Sandgrounders goal.

Northern League Golden Boot Nathan Fisher should have opened his Gateshead account after 13 minutes, Nelthorpe having earlier gone close.

Nelthorpe, a real threat down the left in the first half, fired in a trademark cross that fell for the unmarked Fisher at the back post only for the 21 year old to hook wide from four yards.

Home debutant Jon Shaw's head down and Fisher's lay off then saw the onrushing Kris Gate advance towards the box only to shoot just wide.

Tony McMillan saved at full stretch from Phil Turnbull while Martin Brittain curled a free kick wide following a Matty McGinn foul on Nelthorpe.

It was wave after wave of attack from a much improved Gateshead and Brittain almost broke the deadlock with a 27 yard angled shot that struck the bar.

Fisher was then twice denied by advancing Port keeper McMillan late in the half as Gateshead did everyhing but score.

Gate went close with head and boot and then Brittain wasted a two on one break on halfway in the last minute of the half, forcing Fisher to head towards the wing instead of goal and the opportunity went begging.

Gateshead had been booed off at half-time in their last home game against Fleetwood but they left the pitch with applause ringing in their ears after a fine first half display.

Southport had produced very little going forward, Tim Deasy having his most comfortable 45 minutes of the season so far.

It had been just the response Gateshead manager Ian Bogie had been looking for after the abject performance and heavy defeat at Cambridge.

The first goal at home, however, was proving elusive, Shaw having an early second half chance blocked by Earl Davis's outstretched leg.

Former Sheffield Wednesday man Shaw then sliced wide from 20 yards as Gateshead pressed without having as many attempts as goal as in the first period.

Southport were on course for a fifth consecutive clean sheet

though Shaw headed a Paul Heckingbottom cross just wide as the onset of monsoon conditions made life difficult for both sides.

Turnbull flashed a shot a foot over the bar as an unambitious Southport continued to defender in numbers, but there was almost a sting in the tale from the visitors.

The Sandgrounders, missing three strikers, finally came to the party with 15 minutes left on the clock following the introduction of lively sub. Allan Collins.

Alan Moogan shot narrowly wide from distance in the 75th minute - the Sandgrounders first real threat on goal.

Gate then showed good agility to clear a Davis header off the line while Paul Barratt's deflected volley dipped just over the bar.

It was Gateshead, however, who scored a priceless 90th minute winner when Nelthorpe swept home Gillies' low cross to clinch a first home win of the season.

Gateshead: Deasy, Jones, Heckingbottom, Gate, Curtis, Clark, Brittain, Turnbull, Shaw, Fisher (Wake 69), Nelthorpe. Subs(not used): Cook (gk), Ferrell.

Goal: Nelthorpe (90)

Southport: McMillan, Lee, Flynn, Davis, Powell, Winn, Moogan, McGinn, Williams, Blakeman (Collins 65), Simm (Barrat 81). Subs (not used): Gray, Morley, Dickinson (gk).

Bookings: McGinn (27)

Referee: Richard Wigglesworth (Doncaster)

Att: 471

Jon Shaw Challenges for the ball