Newcastle made the short journey across the Tyne on Monday evening to provide the opposition, as long-serving Gateshead player Paul Thompson was awarded a testimonial.

And with gate receipts shared and donations of other funds to the Give Tilly A Hand appeal, those who attended saw a decent contest for their money as well helping a fine cause.

Wearing their blue away kit, Newcastle were led out by Ameobi and included Luque in their lineup - although he lasted barely quarter of an hour before breezing off at the first sign of a tackle.

James Troisi broke the deadlock for the visitors on 32 minutes with a well-taken effort from distance, before Davey Southern quickly levelled from close range.

Newcastle wasted no time in retaking the lead within 90 seconds of the restart, as Andy Carroll's header fell nicely for Ameobi to rifle the ball home.

And Shola gave Lee Clark's side a two-goal cushion on 55 minutes, being bumped in the box before getting up to convert the resultant penalty.

Mark Doninger should have got a fourth when through on the 'keeper just before the hour, but saw his shot blocked.

That miss was to prove costly when the Unibond Premier side exploited defensive lapses to score on 62 minutes through Graeme Armstrong and with five minutes remaining, when Jamie Harwood finished well.

Gateshead ended the night with Adam Lockey (father of Tilly) making a brief cameo up front, while Paul Thompson was applauded from the field when replaced on 61 minutes - obviously in a hurry to get to the after-match party at Sam Jacks.....

Biffa

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