Just back

what a day out that was!!
I don't think any town fan in their wildest dreams could have guessed todays score.
I think one of the biggest factors today was desire. We owed Gateshead for the play-off debacle. The sense of injustice, etc.
You could tell the lads were up for it today and what a show they put on!
I especially liked Neilson congratulating Baxter on his goal.
Song of the day - lets all laugh at Rodman.

Quoted from horsforthmariner

Just got back and about to heed out for my birthday p**s up. We were awesome today. MOM was Brown, absolutely brilliant today - all over the pitch, skilful touches Gateshead didn't know how to handle him. Hurst deserves credit for playing clay who also had a very good game. To be fair there wasn't a weak link in the town line up and positively Mackraith looked speedy when he came on.

One thing about town is that our corners were excellent today - hope that continues. Strangely Gateshead didn't actually look rubbish, they had their moments but they just couldn't compete with the best town display I've seen since we've been non league

Interested to hear about clay. Don't suppose anyone wants to put their hands up and apologise for slating him before he'd even played a game

Methinks Magnay's discussions with the management rubbed off:

"I know their system inside-out – and the strengths and weaknesses of each player.

"In terms of their starting 11, there's probably only one or two changes and the way they play will always be the same under Millsy.

"I've got a few tactics of mine that I've shared with the gaffer and we've got a plan of how to approach the game – I think if we do it right, it can be very effective."

Our high pressing worked to perfection

I've never minded playing against teams who try to pass it around in this division. Chances are, they will make a couple of errors which give you a chance or two from the off and a bit of pressure can force errors as apparently happened today. The teams that grind results out with strong, quick, powerful players (allied with a bit of skill) are the ones who tend to prosper more at this level.

Quoted from Rik e B

Methinks Magnay's discussions with the management rubbed off:

"I know their system inside-out – and the strengths and weaknesses of each player.

"In terms of their starting 11, there's probably only one or two changes and the way they play will always be the same under Millsy.

"I've got a few tactics of mine that I've shared with the gaffer and we've got a plan of how to approach the game – I think if we do it right, it can be very effective."

Our high pressing worked to perfection

Didn't it just. That's obviously the way to beat Gateshead - make them 'play backwards' as Hurst put it, and give them no time to build play, forcing errors from their defenders. It was a brilliant game plan and superbly executed by the lads. When we got the ball we looked to pass it too, and exploit the space by playing quickly on the break.

With more very impressive results like this one, the crowds will come back to BP.  We will need a new stadium to accommodate them all.  

Quoted from forza ivano

Interested to hear about clay. Don't suppose anyone wants to put their hands up and apologise for slating him before he'd even played a game

I'll admit to slating him after the Dover game, where I thought he looked awful! I'm delighted for the lad today! I hope it continues!

I am still in a state of shock! Stunning game and great performance. A very sweet revenge for the playofs, plus if ppl are not on twitter they may not be aware that Gateshead sent out a tweet inviting Sunderland season ticket holders to come and watch them "beat Grimsby" for only a tenner! Hope a few took them up on it.

MOM for me was Neilson who played predominantly on the left but roamed as well, but then all our team played very well, Pittman looked very lively and Brown for me was sensational again, may only be 4 games but he is the man in the middle of the park, a great signing! Hurst got his tactics spot on and I am pleased for him, as someone who was starting to doubt him being in charge (allbeit still thinking to call on him to go now was maddness!) I am delighted to say well done Paul.

Also the Shop was his usual busy self and played very well, this time scoring! Tbh he should have had a hat trick,  and I fear he will cost us the odd points but he fully deserved his goals and was delighted for him. Really hope he can go on a run now and get a few but either way give him massive credit for today.

Ultimately the Town performance contained slick passing and movement as well as attacking intent, something we have all wanted to see for a while. Cannot believe my luck that I was able to witness it and have to send out a massive thanks to the team for it! May another one like it come on Monday

UTM!

Quoted from Caesar

I am still in a state of shock! Stunning game and great performance. A very sweet revenge for the playofs, plus if ppl are not on twitter they may not be aware that Gateshead sent out a tweet inviting Sunderland season ticket holders to come and watch them "beat Grimsby" for only a tenner! Hope a few took them up on it.

MOM for me was Neilson who played predominantly on the left but roamed as well, but then all our team played very well, Pittman looked very lively and Brown for me was sensational again, may only be 4 games but he is the man in the middle of the park, a great signing! Hurst got his tactics spot on and I am pleased for him, as someone who was starting to doubt him being in charge (allbeit still thinking to call on him to go now was maddness!) I am delighted to say well done Paul.

Also the Shop was his usual busy self and played very well, this time scoring! Tbh he should have had a hat trick,  and I fear he will cost us the odd points but he fully deserved his goals and was delighted for him. Really hope he can go on a run now and get a few but either way give him massive credit for today.

Ultimately the Town performance contained slick passing and movement as well as attacking intent, something we have all wanted to see for a while. Cannot believe my luck that I was able to witness it and have to send out a massive thanks to the team for it! May another one like it come on Monday

UTM!

Yeah it was Pittmans diving header pass which LJL nearly scored but hey on another day he might have tucked it away.  Anyway Well done Lenny remember if you hit the target you have a 50% chance of scoring. ...keep it up fella.

i think mclaughlin needs a mention too, thought he played well all over the place, superb passing and tackling.

UTM!!