Steve Watson proud of Gateshead performance despite FA Cup knockout

Posted Sunday, November 11, 2018 by PA

Gateshead boss Steve Watson was left proud but disappointed as his side fell just short in a 2-1 FA Cup first-round defeat at Rochdale.

Jon Mellish turned the ball into his own net in the 21st minute and – within 60 seconds – Dale doubled their lead through Ian Henderson’s 100th goal for the club.

But Gateshead hit back with a well-worked goal from Mellish four minutes into the second half.

And the visitors had League One Dale pinned inside their own half for long periods in the remainder of the game but could not find the second goal they deserved.

“I’m really proud of the way they performed, even in the first half, we were disappointed to be going in two-nil down,” said Watson.

“The real killer blow was conceding that second goal so quickly after the first. We knew if we scored first in the second half we’d have half a chance.

“We were excellent in the second half, we were on the front foot and forcing them to put the ball out.
It was fine lines, we just needed a little nick on one of those balls that were fizzed across the box.

“We couldn’t quite get the second goal, and it was a second goal we probably deserved.

“It’s very disappointing not being in the hat but it was always going to be tough giving a two-goal start to a League One side.

“It was nice to be appreciated by both sets of fans so I’m disappointed but very proud of the lads.”

Mellish turned Henderson’s near post cross past Aynsley Pears in the Gateshead goal to break the deadlock before Henderson prodded home Brad Inman’s cross soon after to put Dale firmly in control.

But Mellish raced onto a clever backheel from Greg Olley and his shot was parried into the net by Dale goalkeeper Brendan Moore.

Olley had Gateshead’s best chance to level, lofting the ball over Moore but clearing the Dale crossbar.

Rochdale manager Keith Hill felt his side went into “cruise control” at 2-0 and criticised goalkeeper Moore.

“From a mental point of view, 2-0 can be a dangerous scoreline,” he said.

“We showed plenty of energy in the first half to break the opponents down and when we did, it’s as if we went into cruise control and that’s very dangerous.

“I tried to prewarn the players at half-time but we fell into the trap.

“Regardless of whatever trap we fell into, our keeper has got to save that shot. No question.

“Fair credit to the opponent in the second half, they responded well to being two goals down. They should have been dead and buried with respect to what I expect from my team, but I didn’t get it.

“I am really not happy with the goalkeeping situation at the club, we are letting in too many silly goals whether it’s Brandon, Josh Lillis or Magnus Norman in goal.”