Jimmy Knowles scored a superb solo goal and later had a penalty saved as Altrincham continued their outstanding National League form with a 1-0 victory over Gateshead at the Gateshead International Stadium.
Altrincham made the stronger start on a wet evening in the North East and created the first clear opening when Knowles sent a shot narrowly wide. Gateshead goalkeeper Pete Jameson was then called into action to keep out an effort from Matty Kosylo as the visitors continued to threaten.
The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute. Knowles collected the ball on the left and drove forward before cutting inside and firing a low shot into the far corner to give Altrincham the lead with an excellent individual goal.
Altrincham had opportunities to extend their advantage before half-time. Knowles headed narrowly over from a Lewis Banks cross, while Kosylo was also unable to convert after being picked out by Aidan Barlow. Kosylo was booked in the 36th minute as the visitors went into the interval 1-0 ahead.
Lucas Weaver replaced Kane Hemmings five minutes after the restart, while Gateshead made their first change in the 65th minute when Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila replaced the booked Jack Robinson. Jake Cooper was cautioned shortly afterwards before Kyle Ferguson replaced Tom Lavery for the hosts.
Altrincham were handed a golden opportunity to put the game beyond Gateshead in the 80th minute when Weaver was brought down inside the penalty area. Knowles stepped up looking for his second goal of the night, but Jameson dived to his right to save the penalty before recovering immediately to block Weaver’s close-range follow-up.
Gateshead made three changes in the 85th minute, introducing Billy Chadwick, Keon Lewis-Burgess and Freddie Issaka, while Altrincham brought on Kahrel Reddin and Jack Hinchy four minutes later. Seven minutes of stoppage time followed, but the visitors protected their slender advantage to secure another victory.
The result continued a remarkable run for Altrincham, who have now won seven of their last eight National League matches. Their only defeat during that sequence came against Southend United, with the Robins responding by winning each of their subsequent four league games.
Altrincham finished Tuesday night’s fixtures third in the National League with 21 points from 11 matches, three points behind second-placed Southend United and five behind leaders Boreham Wood. Gateshead remained bottom with four points after suffering a fifth consecutive league defeat.
