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Stevenage 5-3 Gateshead

Stevenage emerged victorious from an eight-goal thriller as they defeated Gateshead 5-3 at Broadhall Way on Saturday.

Charlie Griffin scored an own goal before grabbing his second hat-trick of the season with Yemi Odabade and Michael Bostwick grabbing a goal apiece. Gateshead's second and third goals were scored by Daryl Clare.

The wind inside the Lamex Stadium made play difficult with both sides struggling to spray the ball around with any accuracy. So much so that Griffin could only head into his own net after 38 minutes. Craig Baxter lofted the ball into the box and Griffin rose the highest, flicking the ball past Chris Day in the Boro goal.

But if anything, the mistake seemed to lift the former Salisbury striker, who made amends just two minutes later.

Tynesiders keeper Paul Farman misjudged James Curtis' back-header allowing Griffin to steal in and lob the keeper from the edge of the big box.

Then just five minutes later Odubade started and finished a move to put Stevenage in the lead for the first time in the match. Odubade found Mitchell Cole with a well-executed through ball, allowing Cole to race through and unleash a shot. Farman did well to keep the effort out but the rebound fell to the winger, who laid up Odubade for a well-taken goal.

With the first half already three minutes into injury time, Griffin scored again, this time via a header from a Scott Laird cross, that he powered into the far corner of the net.

Boro emerged from the half-time break in good spirits and both Bridges and Cole came close with shots in the early stages, but it was Gateshead, who were the next to register on the score sheet after 72 minutes.

Substitute Chris Beardsley gave the ball away on the edge of his own box, allowing Kris Gate to break free before cutting the ball back for Daryl Clare, who was left with the simple job of slotting the ball home at the near post.

The joy was short-lived though as Griffin grabbed his third after 71 minutes with a low free kick that went under the wall and in off the post.

Clare then scored again to reduce the deficit with nine minutes to go after reacting first to an Alex Francis free kick after Day had saved the initial effort.

Gateshead then put the game beyond doubt with Bostwick hitting the back of the net from 25 yards deep into injury time.

Stevenage bookings: Ashton

Gateshead bookings: Armstrong

Att: 2203

Ref: D Ford