Grosvenor Vale played host to a spirited contest as Wealdstone and Gateshead battled to a 2-2 draw in a match punctuated by drama and late changes in fortune. The result sees both teams secure a point, though neither will be entirely content after a match where claiming all three points seemed a distinct possibility.
Wealdstone enjoyed an ideal start, Dominic Hutchinson scoring in the 4th minute. The home side sought to capitalise on this early advantage, but Gateshead gradually worked their way back into the match.
The second half commenced energetically as Kain Adom equalised for Gateshead just a minute after the restart, with Curtis Edwards providing the assist. This goal shifted the momentum, and the visitors began to control the tempo of the game.
Wealdstone manager Sam Cox made a double substitution in the 63rd minute, introducing Max Kretzschmar and Nathan Young-Coombes in an attempt to revitalise his side. Gateshead responded with a substitution of their own in the 69th minute, Ben Williams replacing Joe Grayson.
As the clock ticked down, the game remained closely contested. Tensions rose, with Josh Home receiving a yellow card for Gateshead in the 48th minute, followed by Omar Mussa of Wealdstone in the 73rd and Harry Chapman of Gateshead in the 82nd.
Adom then struck again in the 79th minute, putting Gateshead ahead 1-2. It appeared that Alun Armstrong’s side were heading for a vital away win, but Wealdstone had other plans. Phillip Chinedu received a yellow card in the 86th minute.
In the 88th minute, substitute Kretzschmar appeared to level the scores for Wealdstone, ensuring a share of the points. Late substitutions from both sides failed to alter the scoreline, with Gateshead bringing on Frank Nouble, Oli Thompson, and Ethan Fitzhugh, while Wealdstone introduced Moussa Diarra in added time.
The draw leaves Wealdstone in 9th position with 13 points, while Gateshead sit in 12th with 11 points. Both teams will be looking to build on this result in their upcoming fixtures as they aim to climb the National League table.
