Bristol Rovers rally to defeat Gateshead

Bristol Rovers came from behind twice to defeat Gateshead 3-2 in their match in the Conference Premier this evening

The visitors could have taken the lead immediately from the kickoff as Robert Ramshaw chased a ball over the top, which fell kindly for him in the box, but his low effort was saved by Fabian Speiss.

Gateshead threatened again when Matty Pattison latched on to a cross from the left from Alex Rodman, but he missed the target from close range as his header landed on the roof of the net.

However, Gary Mills's side did take the lead in the 18th minute as Pattison turned the ball in from inside the six-yard box following a scramble on the goalline.

In the second half, Rovers responded and drew level through a fine strike from substitute Ollie Clarke as his low drive from 30 yards beat the outstretched hand of Adam Bartlett to nestle in the bottom corner.

Gateshead were behind for just two minutes as Rodman fired them back ahead when he latched on to John Oster's cross at the back post to bury an effort past Speiss.

The home side rallied again when they won a free kick on the edge of the box, and Lee Mansell curled an effort over the wall and into the top corner.

Bristol completed their comeback when they took the lead as a ball over the top nearly fell for Alex Wall, but Barlett slid out to win the ball. However, Stuart Sinclair gathered the loose ball and with the keeper out of his net, he smashed his strike into the top corner.

Mills's side try to rally late in the game as they turned up the pressure, but the home side held firm to secure the three points.