A thrilling six-goal encounter at the Gateshead International Stadium saw Gateshead and Aldershot Town locked in a 3-3 draw, a match characterised by relentless attacking endeavour from both sides. Referee Dean Watson was kept busy as the teams traded blows in a captivating, albeit shared, affair.
The scoring commenced early, with Kyle Hurst finding the net for Gateshead in the 5th minute, assisted by Frank Nouble. Aldershot responded well, Kwame Thomas equalising in the 19th minute, courtesy of an assist from Josh Barrett. Cameron Hargreaves then put the Shots ahead in the 26th minute, Ryan Hill providing the setup. The first half concluded with Aldershot leading 1-2, but not before Tristan Abrahams received a yellow card for a foul in the 35th minute, followed by Will Flint of Gateshead just before the interval.
The second half brought even more excitement. Kyle Hurst equalised for Gateshead in the 60th minute, Harry Chapman providing the assist. Just a minute later, Harry Chapman added his own name to the scoresheet, putting the Heed back in front. Gateshead’s lead was short-lived, however, as Hady Ghandour, who came on as a substitute in the 69th minute, scored for Aldershot in the 77th minute, levelling the score once again. A flurry of yellow cards followed Ghandour’s goal, with James Clarridge, Dejan Tetek, and Fenton John all cautioned.
Gateshead made a tactical substitution in the 62nd minute, replacing Will Flint with Josh Home. Aldershot responded with Ghandour replacing Abrahams in the 69th minute. Gateshead then substituted Harry Chapman, who had a goal and an assist to his name, with Max Sheaf in the 70th minute. Aldershot made another change in the 80th minute, bringing on James Henry for Josh Barrett. In the closing stages, both sides made further changes, with Gateshead replacing Frank Nouble and Kyle Hurst with Oli Thompson and Callum Bone respectively. Further yellow cards were issued to Kain Adom and Max Sheaf, completing a very busy final period.
The draw sees Gateshead sitting in 7th place in the National League with 10 points. Aldershot Town find themselves in 11th with 7 points. Both teams will be looking to build on this result, with Gateshead hoping to solidify their position in the playoff places and Aldershot aiming to climb the table.