Worthing extended their unbeaten National League run to seven matches with a 2-1 victory at Gateshead, where captain Alex Lankshear’s second-half own goal condemned the bottom side to a sixth successive league defeat.
Gateshead made the brighter start despite their recent form. Michael Spellman dragged an early effort wide before delivering for Jordy Hiwula, who was unable to convert, while Alfie McCalmont found space behind the Worthing defence and forced Taylor Seymour into a smart save.
Worthing nevertheless took the lead against the run of play in the 19th minute. Jordan Young delivered a free-kick into the penalty area and Jack Wadham was left unmarked to glance a header in off the post beyond Pete Jameson.
Young had an opportunity to double the advantage when Emmerson Sutton found him inside the area, but Gateshead instead drew level in the 29th minute. Freddie Issaka threaded a well-weighted pass through to Hiwula, who rounded the advancing Seymour before lifting his finish into the unguarded net. It was Gateshead’s first first-half league goal of the season.
Hiwula almost struck again when he capitalised on an inaccurate pass from Seymour, only for the Worthing goalkeeper to block his attempt with his chest. At the other end, Charley Kendall was released through on goal shortly before half-time but could only direct his shot at Jameson as the sides went into the interval level.
Gateshead continued to threaten after the restart before Worthing manager Adam Hinshelwood made a triple change, introducing Charlie Waller, Dominic Johnson-Fisher and Bailey Smith. Smith quickly caused problems on the left, with one deflected cross landing on the roof of the net, while Jayden Moore intervened at the other end to prevent Hiwula getting a shot away from close range.
The decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute. Moore found Kendall, who released Smith towards the byline, and the substitute attempted to send the ball across the face of goal. Lankshear got a touch to the delivery but could only divert it beyond his own goalkeeper to restore Worthing’s lead.
The visitors had opportunities to put the game beyond Gateshead. Ricky Aguiar’s swerving free-kick caused problems for Jameson, while David Ferguson produced an important piece of defending to prevent Johnson-Fisher converting from five yards. Hiwula remained Gateshead’s main threat but was unable to direct a late effort from a corner on target.
Worthing held on to make it seven league matches without defeat, a run comprising four wins and three draws. The victory moved Hinshelwood’s side into fifth place with 21 points from 12 games, one point behind fourth-placed Yeovil Town.
Gateshead remain bottom of the National League with four points from 12 matches. Lee Cattermole’s side have now lost six successive league games, scoring just two goals during that sequence, and have a record of one win, one draw and 10 defeats this season.
