Having been one of those who made the whole trip last time only to see the game called off, simply because the pitch was under 10 inches of water, this time round, we pursued a fistful of complimentary tickets, like men possessed. Feeling rather smug that we had obtained some, we were then somewhat disappointed to find that Gateshead's security left a lot to be desired and just about anybody could walk in unchallenged. Well its no fun then is it? No wonder they're skint.

Having seen Gateshead play well at Edgar Street only a few weeks previous, taken together with their thumping of Slough 5-1 on the previous Saturday (when we had lost dismally to Yeovil), not too many amongst the travelling contingent gave much for our chances of getting anything from the game. Gateshead also needed the points to avoid relegation.

Our pessimism proved unfounded however as after one or two early scares (with Andy Quy yet again to the rescue - if only he'd been with us all season), the Bulls took control of the game, only to suffer their now familiar lack of confidence in front of goal. Time and again play was over elaborated, with players seemingly preferring to try and walk the ball into the net, when given the heavy state of the pitch, a few long range shots were called for. Gavin Mahon in particular, was guilty of passing up the opportunity to test the goalkeeper on a number of occasions, preferring instead to try and find one more pass.

The goal when it came however was no more than we deserved, a corner from the right, fell at "Agana Agana"'s feet only one yard out and he had time to call his granny out of the stand to tuck it away. Right on 45 minutes too, the ideal time to score.

Having reminded the Geordies about the fact that there is only one Ronnie Radford, (and as Cpl Jones used to say "they don't like it up 'em"), we set off on a pie hunt. We shall miss Gateshead next year - Cornish Pasty for 65p, excellent value and tasty too.

The second half was much like the first, except that:

a) We were playing the other way
b) It pissed down for most of it
c) They scored and we didn't

Their goal came right out of the blue as they hadn't really threatened at all. In truth it was down to piss poor marking from a left side corner (not the first time that has happened this season, and unmarked from about 8 yards the Gateshead player couldn't really miss, as he wasn't called Adrian Foster (see Rushden & Diamonds). Even after this we had two clear chances to win it, with the best falling again to Gavin Mahon who somehow managed to head straight at the keeper from only one yard out.

Man of the Match, was a three way tie between Quy, Basil Brough who clearly enjoys playing up front and the ball boy on the far side, who had no cover and had to spend much of his time retrieving the ball from Row Z, in the large unpopulated stand that runs the length of the stadium - poor sod!

Only a 240 mile journey home, I was in bed by 2.00am, with a 6.30am start the following day. Oh the joys of being a Bulls fan!!

Match Report By Mike "GFB" Quarrell - Many Thanks Mike