Wed 15th Aug, 2007 - Gateshead vs Hyde

3 days in and it's the first outing for me in charge of Gateshead. We rock up to the International Stadium a little early to get some shirt signings in for the fans and I'm paraded around like some boiled fruit. A decent crowd made it out to see the new makeup of the team, and we're going in confident we can show them it's worth their time. 10 minutes in Seddon scoots clear for Hyde and thumps a 25 yard shot into the top corner. Fabulous shot; if you're a Hyde fan. 3 minutes later they poke in another to take a 2-0 lead.

We go in all guns blazing with everyone pushing for the ball and we manage to catch them napping at the back with a great 50 yard pass to Okike in the clear. A simple slot into the bottom corner means we're 1 down with only 14 minutes played. We're still gunnig for an equaliser and it's Okike again who manages to get clear and drive it home. We go to the break back on even footing and with momentum on our side.

It seems funny walking into a different dressingroom, but I knew what was needed from the lads. Another goal. We're here to win, not to be happy with a draw. The fans I'm sure would be sharing that sentiment. The second half is full of chances, but it all comes undone when Hyde thunder another one in from 35 yards out. 2 freaky goals were certainly the difference as we felt we'd done enough to get the win.

Worcester has started solidly with an away win and a 3-0 win at home to be 2nd on the ladder. It's going to be a tough road if I keep looking up at them :(