Naivety was so costly for Heed - boss

ALUN Armstrong was left unimpressed with Gateshead’s naivety as his side fell to a home defeat against bogey club FC Halifax Town on Saturday.

- By MARK CARRUTHERS

The game had to survive a pre-match pitch inspection as heavy rain battered the International Stadium surface throughout the hours ahead of kickoff - but passed in the final hour before the clash was scheduled to get under way.

Once the game was given the green light, the Heed must have been grateful to goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks as he saved a penalty from Josh Hmami inside the opening ten minutes.

Gateshead were more successful from the spot just after the half-hour as Kain Adom continued his good form in front of goal - but the sides were level by halftime as former Newcastle United man Jay Turner-Cooke scored the third penalty of the day just two minutes later.

The decisive blow was landed by the Shaymen just after the hour-mark when David Kawa was given time and space to beat Brooks and ensure his side continued their dominance in meetings between the two sides.