Hawks 0-1 Gateshead

THE Hawks slumped to a fourth successive National League home defeat as they lost 1-0 against Gateshead at Westleigh Park.
Nicke Kabamba. Picture: Keith WoodlandNicke Kabamba. Picture: Keith Woodland
Nicke Kabamba. Picture: Keith Woodland

A second-half Steve Rigg header from a corner earned the visitors the points.

Both Hawks loanee signings, Will Wood from Accrington Stanley and Alex Bradley from West Bromwich Albion, were drafted straight into the starting line-up.

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The home side made five changes, with defenders Paul Robinson and Jordan Rose returning after injury.

Meanwhile, Ibra Sekajja and Ryan Woodford dropped to the substitutes' bench.

After two minutes Alfie Pavey shot wide from inside the area after being set up by Nicke Kabamba.

The hosts had to withstand a brief spell of pressure on 15 minutes as Gateshead forced successive corners.

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Visiting goalkeeper Ainsley Pears made a diving save to hold Tyler Cordner's header from Brian Stock's free-kick.

On 34 minutes new-boy Wood curled a 25-yard free-kick into the arms of Pears.

Then Rose was forced to concede a corner after Scott Boden rounded goalkeeper Ben Dudzinski.

As half-time approached Andreas Robinson fired his effort past the near upright.

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Gateshead started the second period the stronger side, with Jack Hunter sending a 20-yard shot just over the crossbar.

An excellent move from the visitors then ended with Rigg firing against the outside of the post.

From the resulting 56th-minute cornerRigg rose above the defence to head his side into the lead.

Five minutes later Sekajja replaced Bradley.

Soon after, Wood limped off to be replaced by Cosgrave.

Kabamba forced a low, near post save from Pears with a firmly-struck drive as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.

Shortly after, a good save from Dudzinski kept Rigg's shot out of the top corner of the net.

Substitute Woodford was lucky to get away with a poor back-pass in the final five minutes.