Gateshead secured a well-deserved 3-1 victory against Southend United at Roots Hall in a fluctuating National League encounter. The Tynesiders took an early lead in the 12th minute, Callum Whelan’s intricate passing creating the opening for Jacob Butterfield to slot home. Southend, however, responded positively to the setback and drew level in the 32nd minute. Keenan Appiah-Forson’s incisive through-ball found Gus Scott-Morriss, who finished with confidence to restore parity. The first half ended with honours even, promising an exciting second period.
The second half saw Gateshead regain their advantage in the 53rd minute. A controversial handball decision resulted in a penalty, which Luke Hannant confidently converted. The goal appeared to knock the stuffing out of Southend, who struggled to recapture the fluency they had shown earlier. Gateshead, sensing blood, pressed forward and extended their lead in the 70th minute. A swift counter-attack culminated in Regan Booty providing the assist for Ben Radcliffe to finish smartly. Despite a series of late substitutions from both sides, Gateshead expertly managed the game, comfortably seeing out the remaining minutes to claim all three points.
The win moves Gateshead up to fifth in the National League table, while Southend slip to 15th. This victory gives Gateshead the edge in the recent head-to-head record between the two sides, having now won two of their four meetings in the last three seasons, with Southend winning one.