13/08/2026
NORTH EAST SPORTING CLUB 6–1 GATESHEAD BOROUGH
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER FOR SPORTING
There was the usual drama before kick-off, with keeper Logan Pearce somehow managing to leave his kit somewhere along his travels! 🤦♂️
Never a dull moment with Logan.
With time ticking away, management had to pull together and somehow source a pair of boots and some gloves to get him sorted for the game.
As it turned out, the gloves proved to be a pretty good investment, because Logan looked safe as houses all night, making sure Sporting had a solid presence between the sticks. 🧤
And once the pre-match drama was out of the way, Sporting got down to business.
North East Sporting Club produced an outstanding performance on a memorable night, running out 6–1 winners away at Gateshead Borough in a game played in tough conditions on a difficult pitch.
Sporting went ahead after just five minutes, with Harry Sawyer assisting his brother Ethan Sawyer for the opener.
Brothers combining for a goal on a night featuring a solar eclipse… that has to be a first for the Alliance League surely! 🌒⚽
And to add another piece of family history to the evening, Sporting also had another set of brothers in the squad, Matty and Harry Owen.
Sporting soon thought they had doubled their advantage when Kyle Mitchell found the net again from another Sawyer assist. Unfortunately, the goal was rather suspiciously ruled out for offside by the away linesman, who continued to make some questionable calls throughout the evening. The decision did, however, briefly stem the flow of Sporting attacks.
There was no stopping Nathan Hewitt shortly afterwards. Hewitt picked the ball up and embarked on a trademark mazy run, seemingly looking to create a 50/50 challenge, before deciding he’d had enough of that idea and instead danced his way through the Gateshead defence to make it 2–0. 😂
At 2–0, Gateshead’s left-back was perhaps fortunate to remain on the pitch after already receiving a yellow card and then pulling back Harry Sawyer as he broke free.
Sporting went into the break 2–0 up, but there was clearly plenty more to come.
Soon after the restart Gateshead hit back with a goal, although against the run of play credit must be given to them, as it was well worked to carve sporting open.
2-1 …….game on?
This scoreline seemed to wake the sporting lads back up after their still thinking they were still on the halftime break 👀
Fabian Ikenhi was everywhere once again. The lad has got some serious engine on him and covered an enormous amount of ground throughout the game.
The back three of Reece Bowman, Nathan Hewitt and Alfy Charlton were immense, providing a solid foundation for Sporting’s attacking play. Bowman in particular took a real leadership role with his organisation, helping keep the back line disciplined.
Jake Thompson found himself involved in a few battles throughout the game and eventually picked up a yellow card. After some back-and-forth between the two sides, Jake responded in the best possible way — with a goal to settle things down and make it 3–0.
Sporting continued to turn the screw.
Matthew Owen added another, finding the net from a tight angle to extend the advantage.
Then came another spectacular finish from Kyle Mitchell, who absolutely rifled one into the top corner. 🚀
And Fabian wasn’t going to miss out on the action. After another tireless performance, Ikenhi rose to meet Josh Arnold’s corner and powered a thumping header into the net, completing Sporting’s sixth goal of the evening.
6–1.
A thoroughly deserved victory and an excellent team performance despite the difficult pitch and challenging conditions.
There were strong performances throughout the team, with Alfy Charlton once again putting in a solid shift, making several vital interceptions.
The result also saw Fabian Ikenhi named Man of the Match, while Alfy Charlton took the Committee’s Man of the Match award.
A fantastic night for Sporting, six goals on the road, and another performance that showed the quality and togetherness within the squad.
A huge thank you to Gateshead Borough for the game. A great set of lads, and we wish them all the very best for their remaining games this season.
FULL TIME: GATESHEAD BOROUGH 1–6 NORTH EAST SPORTING CLUB
⚽ Ethan Sawyer
⚽ Nathan Hewitt
⚽ Jake Thompson
⚽ Matthew Owen
⚽ Kyle Mitchell
⚽ Fabian Ikenhi
🅰️ Harry Sawyer
🅰️ Nathan Hewitt
🅰️ Kyle Mitchell
🅰️ Matthew Owen
🅰️ Fabian Ikenhi
🅰️ Josh Arnold
🏆 MOTM: Fabian Ikenhi
⭐ Committee’s MOTM: Alfy Charlton
Six goals. Three points. One hell of a night.
🖤🤍 - UP THE SPORTING!
