Former Gateshead strikers unable to haunt the Heed on their return to Tyneside

Photo credits: Charlie Waugh

An eventful summer on Tyneside saw Gateshead lose their two top scorers from last season. Macaulay Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott, who between them scored 52 league goals, were poached by fellow National League outfit, Notts County.

Last night they both returned to the Gateshead International Stadium for the first time since lifting the National League North trophy with the Tynesiders, hoping to secure all three points for Notts County. As the loudspeaker operator read out Langstaff’s name in the starting 11 and Scott’s name on the bench, both received polite applause.

It was a cool night for mid-August, with rain lingering in the air, and yet 1,825 still made the journey to watch the two gladiators return to their former arena. Those in the Tyne and Wear Stand knew all too well of their abilities, knowing that they could well cause damage to the Gateshead back line.

Langstaff described coming back to Gateshead as “a little bit strange and surreal”, adding that he spent some “really good years” on Tyneside. His fellow striker Scott made clear that it felt good “being back in a familiar place, seeing some old friends and faces.” He also said that the “nice reception” he received from the fans was greatly appreciated.

Scott replaced Langstaff mid-way through the second half, with Notts County number 9 having few chances of note, except for one diving header which was well saved by James Montgomery in the Gateshead goal. Having been used to playing a front three at Gateshead, Langstaff looked isolated up top by himself for County.

Like his teammate, Scott was afforded little opportunity after he came on, which was testament to Gateshead’s defensive solidity and the brilliant performance of Montgomery between the sticks. Therefore, there was slight optimism that tonight could be night that Gateshead register their first victory.

The home side started well in both halves, racing out of the traps, and looking to press their opposition. In the first period, this led to Adam Campbell running through on goal, having dispossessed a defender.

His chipped effort was saved by Sam Slocombe before Tom Allan saw a deflected rebound go just wide. Just 15 seconds into the second half, a similar situation arose when Allan latched onto a mistake by Kyle Cameron. This time he was clinical and passed the ball into the net past Slocombe.

Just minutes later it could have been two. Allan linked up well with Paul Blackett and sent in a delightful ball in search of his strike partner. Blackett met it but sent his header tantalisingly wide.

As had been seen in the first half, Notts County grew into the fixture, and began to retain possession as the second half went on. Gateshead were looking to hang on but were certainly on the ropes.

A misplaced header by Gateshead substitute Elliot Forbes almost led to a goal with 12 minutes left, as Kairo Mitchell fired just wide as the ball came down. This was a warning, but Gateshead did not take it.

With only two minutes of normal time left, an Aaron Nemane cross was drilled in from the right, and in his attempts to clear it, Louis Storey diverted it into his own net. Late heartbreak for Gateshead for the second time this season.

“Notts play some really good football,” Gateshead boss Mike Williamson said, “we knew it was going to be a test, but I though the lads were brilliant and [I’m] very proud of their efforts.”

“There’s still loads to work on,” he added after Gateshead’s third consecutive draw, and “to win the fourth game is our aim.”