After James Curtis' early header was tipped over by Notts goalkeeper Rob Burch, there was little sign of a giant-killing in the first half. Manager's son Thomas Ince impressed on debut, firing Lee Hughes' knockdown at Tim Deasy, before hitting a 25-yard volley inches over. Curtis was caught in possession after 22 minutes and fouled Hughes in the area, with Ben Davies putting the spot-kick away. After another powerful volley from Ince junior flashed over, Curtis' shot from an uncleared corner almost squirmed under Burch. The visitors improved after the break, and had a hat-trick of chances to level, with Martin Brittain and John Shaw volleying off target either side of Curtis' saved header. Ricky Ravenhill blasted over and stand-in skipper Hughes wide before Gateshead had their best chance, Brittain's free-kick forcing a smart save from Burch. However, substitute Luke Rodgers settled matters when he put away Hughes' 83rd-minute through ball.
