In a pulsating encounter at The Prestige Group Stadium, Hartlepool United secured a dramatic late victory over Gateshead, snatching all three points with a 2-1 win. The match, played under the lights, was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the English National League.
Gateshead started brightly and took an early lead. In the 12th minute, Louis Storey found the back of the net, assisted by Keaton Ward, to put the visitors ahead. The visitors managed the remainder of the first half effectively, frustrating Hartlepool’s attempts to find an equaliser.
The complexion of the match shifted dramatically in the second half. The defining moment came in the 51st minute when Gateshead’s Louis Storey received a second yellow card, reducing his side to ten men. This numerical advantage provided Hartlepool with a significant boost, and they began to press their visitors with renewed vigour.
Despite being a man down, Gateshead defended resolutely for a considerable period. However, the pressure eventually told. In the 81st minute, Alex Reid scored Hartlepool’s equaliser, a goal that clearly galvanised the home side and sent the crowd into a frenzy.
As the clock ticked towards full-time, it appeared the spoils would be shared. However, Hartlepool United, sensing an opportunity, pushed for a winner. Their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when substitute Matty Daly, who had been introduced in the 57th minute, found the net to give his side a dramatic lead. The assist came from fellow substitute Danny Johnson, who had entered the fray in the 78th minute. This late strike sealed a crucial victory for the Pools.
The win sees Hartlepool United climb to eighth in the English National League standings with 43 points from 28 games, maintaining their pursuit of a play-off spot. Gateshead, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the table, occupying 24th place with 19 points from 27 matches, facing an increasingly difficult battle to avoid relegation.
