We need More players, says boss after defeat

ALUN Armstrong admitted out-ofform Gateshead ‘need a bit of help’ after their dismal form continued with a lacklustre performance in their third-round defeat at home to National League rivals Morecambe.

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Action from South Shields' FA Trophy clash against Macclesfield

(KEVIN WILSON)

After a nervy opening half-hour to the contest, it was the visitors that dealt the first blow with a neat finish from Jack Nolan as he took a touch on the edge of the area before beating Gateshead debutant Preston Leech.

Things went from bad to worse for Armstrong’s men when George Thomas doubled Morecambe’s lead just before the interval with a cool finish from close range.

Former Arsenal youngster Miguel Azeez ended any doubt over which side would take their place in today’s fourth round draw when he scored direct from a corner within two minutes of the second half.

Armstrong was left frustrated by the defeat as his side exited a cup competition for the second consecutive weekend, and admitted his players are ‘nervous and tentative’ after their losing streak was extended to a seventh game in all competitions.

He told the club website: “It’s really frustrating again. I think they had three shots, Preston (Leech) saved one, they scored the other two and then scored from a corner.

“Things are going against the lads at this moment in time and they need a bit of help.