Geordie? Sure!

2nd Qualifying Round

Gateshead (L6) v Ramsbottom United (L8)

Saturday 21st September 2019

I can't remember many journeys on the A1 where there hasn't been some kind of delay. I wasn't disappointed today either. Due to an extensive set of road works and, possibly, a breakdown too (though we didn't see anything), we took three hours to do a 2.5 hour trip and arrived after the kick off.

Gateshead play at the Gateshead International Stadium. An athletics track surrounds the football pitch, which is presumably used for the field events in the summer. It is a high standard stadium at this level, although the stand is a long way from the dugouts, so the pitch side banter is missed.

There is ample free parking, although admission prices are starting to rise - £12 for me and £4 for Samuel. A high quality programme cost £2.50, which, together with a burger, pastie and two drinks, left little change from £10. Sadly, though the cost increased, the quality of the food didn't.

There was a good turn out from the Heed fans, which was kind of expected in this football-mad corner of England.

And they were in fine voice!

Most of their singing was directed towards one of the Ramsbottom substitutes, Richard Brodie. A quick google check revealed he was a local lad, who had played a few games for the home side. Although he didn't seem to be carrying any extra timber, the majority of the chants focussed on his weight, as they began heartily with "He's gonna break the bench" followed quickly by "is it a bench or a seesaw?"

On the pitch, Gateshead showed real promise, producing a series of good chances that were either just wide or saved well.

Until the 31st minute, when a fantastic cross to the left wing was controlled, swept into the middle of the penalty area, and slotted home easily by Greg Olley. 1-0.

Less than 10 minutes later, Josh Kayode flicked the ball neatly past the Ramsbottom keeper but was brought down before he could get by. Jordan Preston stepped forward and converted the penalty. 2-0.

Just before the interval, the visitors thought they had pulled a goal back, only to be disappointed by the linesman's flag.

Half time Gateshead 2 - 0 Ramsbottom United.

We were entertained at half time with a penalty shoot out between the ball boys and the Gateshead mascot, an odd-looking goat called Rooney. We cheered the goals and 'ahh'd the misses. When it was over, and as it was such a warm September afternoon, the ball boys decided to run through the sprinklers. Why wouldn't you?

As in the first half, the second period followed a similar pattern, with a dominant Gateshead making the two-tier difference show. Considering they had been in the National League the previous season, it was no real surprise.

With an hour gone, some clever interplay was finished with a clinical strike from 20 yards by Liam Agnew. 3-0.

Two minutes later, a corner was floated to the back post to be met firmly by Toby Lees. 4-0.

We had to wait a whole two minutes more for the next goal. Greg Olley went on a penetrating run, finishing with a devastating drive for 5-0.

It was far to easy now for the Heed, with their fans sensing this could be the start of a run all the way, as they belted out

"When the Heed go up to lift the FA Cup, we'll be there."

This was quickly followed by (to the tune of Que Sera Sera)

"Tell me ma, me ma,

I won't be home for tea,

We're going to Wembley,

Tell me ma, me ma."

If Brodie thought the home fans had forgotten about him, he was soon reminded as the previous chant morphed into

"Tell me ma, me ma,

I won't be home for tea,

Cos Brodie's eaten it,

Tell me ma, me ma."

I laughed out loud.

Two things happened before the final whistle to complete the day of joy for the Heed Army.

On 74 minutes, Josh Kayode, who had tormented the Ramsbottom defence all afternoon, finished off another quality move to make it 6-0.

In the 78th minute, the Ramsbottom coach brought on Richard Brodie. You can imagine the reception he got.

Full time Gateshead 6 - 0 Ramsbottom United

So the Ewes brief cup run ended and Gateshead started out on theirs. It had been an entertaining afternoon, albeit one sided, helped by great humour from the fabulous Heed fans.

Our journey home took 2.5 hours.

Ratings - food 6/10; facilities 8/10; atmosphere and entertainment 9/10 (they did make me laugh)

Attendance 480

Round trip 336 miles

#FACup

Jack and Alex

Haringey Borough 5 - 0 Staines Town