Media Watch - 21st January - 21.01.2008
GATESHEAD STUNNING FIGHTBACK MARRED BY OFF FIELD TROUBLE - Evening Chronicle, Monday 21st January, by Jeff Bowron
Gateshead’s stunning fightback at Frickley Athletic on Saturday was marred by crowd trouble as Tynesiders fans were threatened and a bottle thrown at the team coach after the game.
Trailing by three goals Gateshead stormed back against their ten man hosts to score four goals in the final quarter of an hour and strengthen their place in the play-offs.
Resurgent bottom of the table side Frickley had roared into a two goal lead inside the opening seven minutes through Lee Morris and Rob Pell.
Returning front man Pell was then sent off five minutes before half-time for elbowing stand-in Gateshead centre-half Paul Thompson in the face.
Frickley still managed to add a third before half-time through Nathan Hotte and, even with a man advantage, promotion chasing Gateshead looked down and out.
Wide man Jamie Harwood however began a remarkable revival that culminated in David Southern’s 88th minute clincher with home captain Steve Robinson then sent off for contesting the game’s winner.
Thompson was left in the dressing rooms at half-time for tactical reasons with Jamie McClen deputising as Gateshead poured forward leaving only three left at the back.
Thommo said: "To score four goals in 14 minutes near the end to win the game is the most remarkable comeback I’ve ever been involved with in my long career."
"We conceded two early goals and were poor in the first half but once we pulled a goal back, and then added a quick second, we always looked capable of going on to win the game."
"It was a great effort from the boys in a very hostile atmosphere. Pell definitely caught me in the face with his elbow but the Frickley supporters were a disgrace and the UniBond must take action."
"Some home fans were trying to punch our players through the mesh fence as we went down the tunnel at the end and the team coach was attacked after the game."
"There was no crowd control and while Davy Southern and the boys celebrated in style after the late winner I didn’t set foot out of the dug-out which isn’t like me."
"It was embarassing, intimidating and disgraceful but it was also a massive win, especially as we only had 13 fit players and the top three clubs all had their games postponed."
Harwood’s 75th minute header lit the blue touch paper. Steve Bowey then converted Steve Salvins through ball and, after Graeme Armstrong levelled with a fine 18 yard shot, Southern sparked wild celebrations with a last gasp back post header.
this kind of problem seems to be getting worse in non-league footfall, as the years progress. 
