Gateshead player-manager Mike Williamson hails 'very pleasing' display in pre-season display with Carlisle United

Former Heed loanee Josh Kayode put the League Two outfit in front just after the half-hour – but a fine second-half strike from a trialist ensured that Williamson’s side claimed a draw in front of a near-empty Gateshead International Stadium.

The former Newcastle United defender took a watching brief as he assessed a number of trialists and gave a run-out to the vast majority of his squad.

Williamson admitted that there is still work to do as his players work towards the new National League North season – but went on to describe his side’s performance as “very pleasing”.

He told The Echo: “Carlisle are a big, physical and fit team and we coped well with all of that.

“We played some good football, we dealt with threats into the box as well as we could and that was pleasing.

“I would have liked to get into their box a bit more and be a bit more of a threat.

“But as pre-season games go, it was very pleasing given that it was our first.

“There was a lot to look back on, and to work on, but it was very pleasing.”

Williamson handed starts to new signings Kallum Griffiths, George Smith and Macaulay Langstaff and all three played the opening 45 minutes of the game.

The Heed boss praised the trio for their performances against the Cumbrians and for the positive impact they have made since agreeing to join the club.

“All of the new lads did very well,” explained Williamson.

“We know what they are about, they are tried and tested, and they have really good experience.

“They give us a lot of energy on both sides of the pitch and they give us a lot of experience.

“They are fantastic additions; they have come in and really added to the strong culture that we have got at the club.”