The highly anticipated English National League match between Gateshead and AFC Fylde concluded with a 1-1 draw at the Gateshead International Stadium. Refereed by Aaron Jackson, the match saw intense efforts from both teams as they vied for the three points. Prior to the match, the head-to-head record between the two teams showed that they had played each other three times in the last three seasons, with AFC Fylde securing three wins and Gateshead yet to register a win in these encounters.
In the first half, Gateshead took an early lead with a goal from Regan Booty in the 25th minute, assisted by Branden Horton. This goal gave Gateshead the lead and set the tone for a competitive first half. Before the break, AFC Fylde’s Ethan Mitchell received a yellow card in the 43rd minute for a foul, indicating the physicality that would characterise the game.
As the match progressed into the second half, AFC Fylde pushed hard for an equaliser. Their efforts were rewarded in the 64th minute when Harry Davis scored, assisted by Nick Haughton, bringing the score to 1-1. This goal energised AFC Fylde, but Gateshead also had their chances, leading to a closely contested remainder of the game.
The second half saw a series of yellow cards, with Corey Whelan, Max Bardell, Branden Horton, Ben Winterbottom, and Lincoln McFayden all being cautioned for fouls. These bookings signalled the increasing intensity and competitive nature of the match as both teams fought for dominance.
In terms of substitutions, AFC Fylde made a half-time change, bringing on Charlie Jolley for Ashley Boatswain in a tactical move. Later, Gateshead substituted Ben Worman with Max Sheaf in the 71st minute, aiming to alter the dynamics of the game. AFC Fylde made another substitution in the 85th minute, replacing Tyler Roberts with Will Hugill, in an attempt to find a winning goal.
Despite these efforts, the match ended in a stalemate, with neither team able to find the decisive goal. The draw reflects the closely contested nature of the English National League, where points are hard-won and every match counts in the pursuit of league standings.
The result leaves Gateshead in fourth place with 60 points, having played 34 matches, while AFC Fylde remains in 21st place with 33 points from 33 games. Both teams will look to learn from this encounter as they continue their campaigns in the league.