South Shields defender Dillon Morse opens up on impressive debut for Gateshead

South Shields defender Dillon Morse has revealed that his impressive debut for loan club Gateshead has made him even more determined to help his parent club reach the National League North.
Gateshead FC.Gateshead FC.
Gateshead FC.

The classy centre-back put in an imperious performance at the heart of the Heed defence as they claimed a 1-0 win against Guiseley at the International Stadium on Saturday.

Morse played alongside former Mariner Alex Nicholson and the duo helped their side keep a clean sheet and laid the foundations for a hard-earned win against their stubborn visitors.

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The former Gateshead academy defender also picked up the sponsors man of the match award as he reflected on a long-awaited first ever appearance in step two of the non-league game – and revealed his desire to make that a regular occurrence when he returns to South Shields.

He told The Gazette: “It’s great to play in this league and we have been trying for ages to get here with South Shields.

“I couldn’t have asked for more in my first game in the National League North, it’s a clean sheet and a win.

“I have wanted to play in this league for years and years and I took a few steps back to try and get here.

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“We came close last year but the pandemic stopped us getting here and the year before we got beat in the play-offs.

“I think we have players to get up to this level and we have players good enough to play in here.

“This is where we want to be, it’s the league we are aiming at and when you get here, you see how different it is.

“I want to help South Shields get up here and kick on again.”

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Saturday’s win was Morse’s first senior appearance for Gateshead after spending time with the club’s academy during the 2014/15 season.

He admitted that he never wanted to leave the club but could not wait to return once South Shields had given the all-clear for the initial 28-day loan deal to be completed.

“It’s great to be back, as soon as the call came, and I knew Fents (Graham Fenton) and Shawsy (Jon Shaw) were happy with it, I couldn’t wait to get going.

“It’s been brilliant so far and I can’t wait for more.”