Heed ‘had to be better’ in cup win - Armstrong

GATESHEAD manager Alun Armstrong was not entirely happy with his side's FA Cup fourth qualifying round win at Aveley as the Heed landed a place in today’s first round draw.

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Paul Blackett celebrates one of his two goals for South Shields in their FA Cup thrashing of Spalding United

(KEVIN WILSON)

The Heed boss handed starts to recent loan signings Kian Pennant and Ibrahim Bakare after they boosted Armstrong’s _ injury-hit squad by joining the club on Friday afternoon.

After wasting several opportunities to get themselves in front during a lively opening half-hour, Gateshead finally found a breakthrough five minutes before halftime as David Ferguson headed home his first goal for the club.

Kyle Hurst doubled the lead midway through the second half with a neat finish before summer signing Dom Telford marked his return from injury by coming off the bench to add a third with just four minutes remaining.

Despite the positive nature of the result, Armstrong admitted he expected more from his side during the second half.

He told the club website: “It was a strange game, I thought the lads did very well in the first half and dominated possession.

“We weren't expecting them to sit in the low block as much as they were, it was tough to break them down, but we got the goal and we probably had three or four chances.