By Mark Carruthers
Gateshead player-manager Mike Williamson rued a whole host of missed opportunities as his side fell to a defeat at local rivals Blyth Spartans.
The National League North title challengers made the perfect start at Croft Park as striker Paul Blackett took advantage of a poor defensive header to put his side ahead on the quarter-hour mark.
Former Heed stalwart JJ O'Donnell grabbed an equaliser just two minutes later and Spartans completed a quickfire turnaround with a penalty from Robbie Dale.
Williamson's side created several opportunities during a much-improved second-half display with top goalscorer Macaulay Langstaff denied by Spartans keeper Alex Mitchell on three occasions and Cedwyn Scott and Owen Bailey also went close to grabbing an equaliser.
Gateshead did find their way past the in-form stopper when Louis Storey headed home at the far post but his celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.
Williamson challenged his players to use the defeat as a “catalyst” to inspire them to continue their push for promotion over the remainder of the season.
“I am looking at areas where we need to improve, where we weren't good enough,” explained the Heed boss.
“Ultimately, the first-half separated the two sides.
“Second-half, I thought we were dominant and looked like our usual selves.
“We created enough chances to win a couple of games comfortably but it wasn't meant to be.
“All credit to Blyth for the way they set up and they fought all the way through.
“I said to the boys we can use this as a catalyst because it's not a nice feeling walking off with 2,000 fans and seeing them celebrating.
“We have to absorb it all, it's part of the learning process and if this detracts from our confidence, that will obviously reflect in the season – but it's up to us to not let that happen.”
If there was a positive for Williamson and his players, it would be that title rivals Brackley Town fell to a 3-1 defeat at Brackley Town.
However, the Gateshead boss insisted he will only look at his own side's performance as he switched his attention to preparing for next weekend's home game against Chorley.
“We just focus on ourselves.
“The first 45 we weren't good enough, the second 45 was back to ourselves.
“It's down to us to reflect, recover and analyse it because we have two very big games coming up on Saturday and Monday.”
