Gareth Rhodes officiated an engaging match at Gateshead International Stadium, where Boston United recovered from an initial setback to claim a 3-1 victory over Gateshead. The match featured several goals, tactical adjustments, and substitutions that ultimately tilted the balance in Boston’s favour.
Gateshead began energetically, converting early pressure into a goal when Harry Chapman scored in the 21st minute, giving the home side a 1-0 lead. However, Gateshead’s early advantage proved to be temporary.
Boston United manager Graham Coughlan responded with a tactical substitution early in the second half, introducing Frankie Maguire in the 47th minute to replace Jordan Richards. Maguire quickly justified his inclusion by levelling the score in the 49th minute, assisted by Matty Carson, making the score 1-1.
The momentum continued to shift towards the visitors as Kieren Donnelly, another substitute brought on at half-time for Owen Hampson, put Boston ahead in the 54th minute, assisted by Connor Teale, making it 1-2. Gateshead attempted to wrestle back control, making a substitution of their own in the 57th minute, with Callum Bone replacing Curtis Edwards.
Boston United further extended their lead in the 74th minute when Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila, who had come on as a substitute in the 68th minute for Lenell John-Lewis, scored to make it 1-3, assisted by Matty Carson. Gateshead’s Alun Armstrong responded with a late substitution, bringing on Callum Johnson for Frank Nouble in the 83rd minute, but it had little impact.
As the match neared its conclusion, tensions rose, resulting in yellow cards for Kyle Hurst of Gateshead in the 93rd minute and Alex Lankshear of Boston United in the 97th minute. Boston United made a late substitution in the 91st minute, bringing on Ben Grist for Jordan Cropper, to reinforce their defence and secure the victory.
The result sees Boston United climb to 16th place in the National League standings with 16 points, while Gateshead remain in 14th place with 17 points. Boston’s undefeated run now extends to four games. The defeat marks Gateshead’s first consecutive loss, and they will be eager to recover in their next match.
Referee Gareth Rhodes brought the match to a close, confirming Boston United’s 3-1 victory over Gateshead.
