Gateshead urged to 'look at themselves' as Wealdstone loss heightens relegation fears
Gateshead are six points from safety after suffering a 4-0 defeat at National League rivals Wealdstone.
Club legend Ben Clark delivered a stark warning to Gateshead players after their 4-0 defeat at Wealdstone left them six points from safety in the National League.
The Heed went into their trip to Grosvenor Vale looking to move on from a dismal 6-1 home loss against Kieron Dyer’s Southend United seven days earlier - and made a positive start against the Stones as the likes of Luke Supyk and Jordy Hiwula had chances in side the opening 20 minutes. However, an Olufola Olomola goal midway through the first-half and a Luke Norris strike put the hosts in control at the break and they roared out of sight thanks to second-half efforts from Jack Wells-Morrison and Jack Cook.
The result means Lee Cattermole’s side have now lost seven of their last eight games and the only point gained during that time was a home draw with fellow strugglers Solihull Moors. Heed first-team coach Clark urged the Gateshead players to ‘have a look at themselves’ as they look to arrest a poor run of form that has played their National League status under severe threat.
Speaking after the defeat, he told the club website: “I thought we started the game well. The first-half, we had a couple of chances. Luke [Supyk] was looking lively, David [Eguiabor] was causing problem up front and Jordy [Hiwula] on the wing. Then our Achilles heel at the minute. We conceded a soft goal and you can see the confidence at the minute, the lads are struggling with their confidence and another goal after that, a penalty, and we struggled from there on in.
“I think confidence is massive in all walks of life and I think if we scored when we’re on top, it becomes a different game. We’ve got to keep working hard, players have to look at themselves. Can they do better? We will continue to keep working hard and that’s all you can do. Confidence is low at the moment - but the only way to get it back is getting a win and we will keep training hard and hopefully results will change really quickly.”
The Heed now have two home games in a week as Altrincham’s visit to the International Stadium on Tuesday is followed by a meeting with Worthing on Saturday afternoon.