Blyth Town 0-6 Gateshead | International Club Friendly | 8 July 2026

Gateshead put on a dominant display in their pre-season friendly against Blyth Town, running out comprehensive 6-0 winners at a sun-drenched Croft Park. The National League side showed their class from the first whistle, leaving their ninth-tier hosts with little answer to a relentless attacking performance.

Match Overview

The fixture, part of the Heed’s build-up to the 2026-27 campaign, served as a stark reminder of the gulf in quality between the two clubs. Gateshead controlled possession throughout and carved open the Blyth defence at will, scoring three goals in each half to secure a convincing victory.

Key Moments

• Early breakthrough: Gateshead opened the scoring inside the first ten minutes when a well-worked move down the right flank ended with a low cross converted at the near post.
• Clinical finishing: By the half-hour mark, the visitors had doubled their lead through a powerful strike from the edge of the box, and added a third just before the interval from a set-piece.
• Second-half surge: The pattern continued after the break, with Gateshead adding three more goals, including a fine individual effort and a late penalty, to round off the scoring.

Tactical Story

Gateshead head coach Mike Williamson used the friendly to test a high-pressing system and fluid attacking rotation. Full-backs pushed high, creating overloads in wide areas, while the midfield trio controlled the tempo and recycled possession efficiently. Blyth Town, to their credit, attempted to play out from the back but were repeatedly caught in possession, leading to dangerous transitions.

Standout Players

Gateshead’s number 10 was at the heart of most attacking moves, registering a goal and two assists. The winger on the left side also impressed with his direct running and delivered the cross for the opening goal. For Blyth, goalkeeper Jack Wilson made several fine saves to keep the scoreline from becoming even more lopsided.

Season Impact

This friendly served as an ideal sharpening exercise for Gateshead ahead of their National League campaign, allowing fringe players to earn minutes and the squad to build match fitness. Blyth Town, who compete in the Northern Premier League Division One East, will take lessons from the encounter as they continue their own pre-season preparations.