Spennymoor Town’s poor recent run continued with a 2-1 derby defeat to rivals Gateshead. 

Tommy Miller’s side suffered their fifth defeat in six games and now sit two points off the play offs.

Spennymoor Town started slowly to the first half, enjoying very little possession and had few chances. 

Gateshead dominated the majority of proceedings, firing several warning shots before taking the lead on 40 minutes. 

Gateshead took control in the first half and deserved their lead, their well-orchestrated attacks made the difference and they should have extended their lead several times.

Their measured and patient display showed dividends when Greg Olley fizzed in a low cross that was tapped home by Adam Campbell from six yards out. 

The fiercely battled derby was a close affair in the first half with few clear cut chances, with Spennymoor mustering only two goal scoring opportunities in the first half. 

Things got worse for Moors only two minutes later, when Joe Tait was sent off for a stamp on Gateshead goalkeeper Jacob Chapman. 

The clash was as a result of a scramble as Spennymoor Town desperately scrapped for an equaliser.

Moors showed more fight and grit in the second half, enjoying more of the possession and creating more chances. 

Their hard work paid off when on 70 minutes, John Ludufu’s cross was only half cleared and Scott McLean fired home an equaliser.

Moors fought on and created half chances but weren’t able to find the cutting edge as the game drew closer to its end. 

Gateshead would take lead again only ten minutes later when defender Chris Mason lost control of the ball and gifted Dan Ward the chance to lay on an easy finish for Paul Blackett. 

Moors had few clear cut chances to get back into the game and were left disappointed as they look to get back to winning ways against Chorley.

Miller’s side can take a lot from today’s display, with his side showing spirit and tenacity which deserved a point and is a good indication of what they can do this season.