Day 201

Olembé returned from injury for today’s trip to Gateshead. I put out the strongest team I could against the fourth-placed Tynesiders. Birchall, making his league debut, moved into central midfield alongside Woods. Halstead, Kanouté, and new-boy Laurant made the bench, as Gowling reclaimed his starting berth and Putnins and Laurent got another chance to prove themselves. Shuker was not fit enough to travel.

Barnes-Homer had a chance to give us an early lead in the fourth minute, as he steamed into the box, but his shot was so high it nearly left the stadium. Marques made no mistake seven minutes later when Olembé’s corner landed at his feet, however. The central defender tapped in for his fourth goal of the season.

Marques was unlucky not to score again on the 27-minute mark. Another Olembé corner found the veteran defender, whose header rebounded off the crossbar. Gowling reacted first to the rebound, firing past the wrong-footed Gateshead keeper.

Gateshead responded with a spirited charge. Striker Yemi Odubade twice went close to reducing the deficit, and there were several nervous moments leading up to half time. My boys held out, though, and even added to their tally with an excellent counter-attacking move from Koroma, Olembé, and Laurent.

With two losses in a row going into this game, we had a point to prove. I couldn’t have been happier with the first half display—it’s exactly the reaction you expect from champions, and that’s what I want my team to be.

The second half started right where the first period left off. Both sides traded chances in an open and free-flowing game. I took a tired-looking Olembé off just shy of the hour mark, handing Benjamin Laurant his debut. The winger had an immediate impact. His first touch was a header to Koroma, who was unmarked just inside the box. The striker turned quickly and fired in our fourth goal.

Barnes-Homer blasted another shot into orbit in the 65th minute. My players still looked hungry for goals, even with the four-goal lead. Woods was next to go close, having a shot tipped over in the 70th minute. Gateshead simply couldn’t handle our attack.

Substitute Ben May should have added a fifth in the 80th minute. Koroma, Laurent, Power, and Birchall combined in a beautiful passing move to put the striker one-on-one against the keeper, but his shot was too weak and Nicholls parried it clear.

Marques popped up again in the 83rd minute. Power hit his corner ball low towards the near post. Marques took two steps and volleyed beyond the hapless Gateshead goalkeeper.

That was the last goal on the bill for the afternoon. Five-goal assassins; try stopping us now.