Blyth Town vs Gateshead

Cattermole's side flew out of the blocks. Winger Ashley Boatswain opened the scoring in the 8th minute, converting from close range after a sharp move down the right. The same player added a second in the 21st minute.

Striker Dominic Telford made it 3–0 in the 28th minute, finishing coolly after Gateshead carved through Blyth's backline. A trialist — identified only as "Trialist 1" — added a fourth in first-half stoppage time (45'), sending the visitors into the break with a 4–0 cushion.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Bone, introduced from the bench, scored twice in the closing stages — first in the 82nd minute, then again in the 89th minute — to round off a thumping victory.

Boatswain's second goal in the 21st minute effectively killed the contest inside the opening quarter. Blyth Town had shown brief resistance in the opening exchanges, but the two-goal cushion allowed Gateshead to play with freedom and commit numbers forward, with the floodgates opening soon after.

Ashley Boatswain — Gateshead's wide man was the difference-maker in the first half, scoring twice in 21 minutes. His movement off the ball caused persistent problems for Blyth's defence.

Callum Bone — The substitute striker made a compelling case for a starting spot with two well-taken finishes in the final ten minutes.

Dominic Telford — The experienced forward added the third goal and linked play effectively throughout, a constant outlet for Gateshead's midfield.

Player of the match: Ashley Boatswain — two goals inside the first half-hour set the tone for a thoroughly professional performance.

The 6–0 scoreline and 4–0 halftime lead reflect a gulf in class and conditioning between a National League side in the early stages of its pre-season programme and a Northern League outfit that began its own preparations only a week earlier. Gateshead's four first-half goals showed clinical finishing; Blyth Town struggled to create meaningful chances against a well-organised visiting defence. The clean sheet will be as pleasing to Cattermole as the six goals.

For Gateshead, this was a near-perfect start to the Cattermole era. The former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder took charge of his first match since replacing Rob Elliot, who left for Carlisle United in the summer. The Heed face another local test at Heaton Stannington on Saturday 11 July before hosting Hebburn Town on Tuesday 14 July and a marquee friendly against Newcastle United on 25 July.

For Blyth Town, the result is a reminder of the step up in quality against National League opposition. Manager Michael Connor's side, relegated from the NPL East last season, lost their opening pre-season friendly 2–1 at Newcastle Blue Star on 3 July. They host Park View AFC on 14 July and Tow Law Town on 18 July before beginning their Ebac Northern League campaign on 25 July.

A comprehensive workout for Gateshead and a valuable learning experience for Blyth Town. Cattermole will have seen enough to be encouraged by his squad's sharpness and finishing, while Connor will take positives from the fitness minutes but will want defensive improvements before the league season starts.