Gateshead 4 Maidstone United 1 match report: Big away defeat for the Stones

Maidstone's longest trip of the season ended in a heavy defeat at Gateshead.

Paul Blackett's first-half double and second-half strikes from Greg Olley and Adam Campbell saw the Stones well-beaten at the International Stadium.

Joe Ellul scored a late consolation but the visitors could have no complaints after an afternoon to forget on Tyneside as Gateshead claimed their first win of the season.

Fit-again Roarie Deacon replaced Josh Fawole in the only change from Monday’s win at Aldershot.

The Stones had the benefit of an overnight stay but looked as though they’d just got off the bus after a six-hour journey in a sluggish first half that got what it deserved.

Winless Gateshead have been playing better than their results suggest, by all accounts, with ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson building a side who like to attack.

They were well on top in the opening 45, sharper all over the park, first to the ball and neat and tidy in possession.

There were a couple of early warnings for the Stones from balls in behind the defence before the opening goal in the 10th minute.

Greg Olley was the provider, with Blackett racing away from Ellul to beat Yusuf Mersin.

Olley went close to number two from the edge of the box before Maidstone’s first opportunity saw Christie Pattisson hook the ball over after Jack Cawley met Regan Booty’s corner.

Gateshead’s second goal followed in the 29th minute.

George Fowler was the man caught out in the box by Owen Gallagher, presenting Blackett with a simple finish.

Sam Corne had a shot blocked by ex-Sunderland man Kenton Richardson after Deacon and Booty combined - Maidstone’s best move of the first half - before Will Harris was denied by Mersin.

With teenager Jevon Mills on for his debut at