The lads were back and ready to put their hours of training to work on the pitch. Aidan Heywood as our new captain for the 2025/26 season, with Michael Turner as his vice.

There was also a few new and returning faces on Tuesday night, as Joe Oliver, Jack Foalle and Ethan Wood made their Hebburn Town debuts, while Bailey Adamson returned back off loan.

Both teams started the game with power immediately, and both were hungry for a break through.

In the 11th minute, Gateshead put a cross into the Hornets box, but Foalle hooked the ball away.

Gateshead won a free-kick in our half in the 14th minute, but Murray intercepted the short pass and the Hornets kept the ball.

Play was stopped in the 22nd minute whilst Adamson received treatment, but resumed two minutes later.

Minutes later, Gateshead scored the first goal of the game from a free-kick. After the kick was taken, Kenton Richardson headed the ball straight into the net at the back post.

The Heed Army doubled their lead in the 39th minute, thanks to an assist from Akinola and a powerful goal from Nouble.

The first half drew to a close with no stoppage time given by the ref, which came as a surprise to both the home and away fans.

Half-time saw multiple changes in the lineup, which was to be expected in pre-season. Aidan Heywood, Ethan Wood and Olly Martin came on, whilst Bailey Adamson, Liam Murray and Michael Turner rested.

The second half begun, and Hebburn wasted no time, with three shots on target in the first 10 minutes.

Foalle made a run for goal in the 55th minute, but it fell into Shelvey’s hands. Moments later Shelvey came out to claim once more. The Heed army swapped out their keeper for Lish.

Posthill had an unbelievable touch towards goal in the 60th minute, but the ref blew for offside.

Joe Posthill came off for Gildo Da Silva in the 66th minute.

Wood nearly scored his debut goal for the Hornets in the 68th minute, but his efforts weren’t rewarded.

Lowery made a powerful strike in the 69th minute, adding another goal to Gateshead’s lead.

Gateshead make it four 3 minutes later after Max Sheaf smashed the ball into goal.

Alfa Djalo and a triallist came on looking to score, whilst Jack Foalle and Jack Donaghy came off the pitch in the 72nd minute .

Liam Murray attempted to pull one home for the hornets, but the ball fell into Lish’s grasp. The second half seen many attempts from Hebburn, but the lads just couldn’t turn these attempts into goals during the match.

Gateshead won a free kick in the 89th minute, but the ball was cleared away and led to the full time whistle.

A brilliant attempt from Hebburn, and we look forward to play Northallerton away on Saturday afternoon.

ATT: 725