Gateshead fought Newcastle to a 1-1 draw in their opening pre-season friendly on Saturday, with the National League side taking the lead before a late own-goal forced a share of the spoils.
The game at the International Stadium saw Gateshead start brightly, with Luke Supyk’s 35th-minute strike putting them ahead. Newcastle equalised late on through an own-goal credited to substitute Ben Williams, who turned a free-kick into his own net after a soft foul by Fabian Schar gave Gateshead the set-piece.
Gateshead now sit 18th in the National League with 50 points from 46 games last season, though their recent form has been poor with four straight losses and just one win in the last five. Their last result came on April 25, a 3-1 defeat at Altrincham.
What happened at Gateshead’s pre-season opener?
Newcastle United kicked off their pre-season schedule with a trip to Gateshead, where the hosts started the brighter side. Supyk’s goal came after Schar conceded a soft free-kick, and the set-piece deflected off the wall before Williams turned it past Nick Pope.
Newcastle pulled level late, with Pope under scrutiny for the concession. The Magpies had little to do until the breakthrough, but managed to force an equaliser through their own player’s error. The game ended 1-1, a useful step in Gateshead’s pre-season build-up.
Why the late own-goal matters for Gateshead
Williams’ own-goal sealed the draw, but it also highlighted defensive fragility in Gateshead’s setup. Pope’s slow reaction to the set-piece compounded the issue, while the Magpies’ defence had little to do until the breakthrough.
For Gateshead, the game was a chance to pay tribute to Kevin Keegan, with his song played over the PA and a banner laid on the pitch before a minute’s silence. The club also sold Keegan scarves outside the ground, continuing the outpouring of love for the Newcastle legend.
Newcastle’s youngster shines as goalkeeper question grows
Sean Steur, Newcastle’s 18-year-old signing, was the Magpies’ standout performer. Playing in the deepest midfield role, he looked composed and progressive, driving forward where possible. The Ajax academy product completed the full 90 minutes, a rare bright spot in an otherwise subdued display.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s goalkeeper situation remains unsettled. Pope’s error cost Gateshead the lead, while Ewen Jaouen’s arrival as a future prospect adds pressure on the current number one. With interest cooled in James Trafford, the Magpies may need to act fast to secure their shot-stopper for the season.
What’s next for Gateshead after the draw?
Gateshead’s pre-season continues as they look to build momentum after a disappointing end to last term. Their recent form of one win in five leaves them 58 points behind York, the league leaders, and under pressure to turn things around.
The club’s focus now shifts to their upcoming fixtures, with the new season yet to begin. For Gateshead, every pre-season game is a chance to tighten their defensive shape and rediscover their attacking rhythm before the league campaign resumes.
