Byline: JEFF BOWRON
IT was a case of what might have been as gallant Gateshead crashed out of the FA Cup following a 2-0 first-round defeat at League One club Notts County.
A controversial Ben Davies penalty midway through the first half and a late clincher from sub Luke Rodgers meant Gateshead left the Magpies nest with nothing to show for their considerable efforts.
Ian Bogie's men had Paul Ince's County rattled in the second half and came close to an equaliser on three occasions before Rodgers settled a cracking tie.
juicy couture tracksuitsA crowd of 3,235, including a 300-strong Heed Army, created a lively atmosphere for a pulsating cup clash, and ensured Gateshead made around pounds 35,000 from this season's cup run.
Cup glory, however, eluded the Tynesiders who now have to re-focus for a tricky Conference Premier trip to Fleetwood tomorrow.
Bogie praised his side for an impressive display in Nottingham, and also the travelling supporters who created a carnival atmosphere throughout the 90 minutes.
Bogie said: "The fans were tremendous.They gave us great backing and it was just a shame we couldn't give them at least a goal to celebrate.
"It was a good, open cup-tie and one we played well in.
"It was a great effort from the lads, particularly in the second half, and it's disappointing that we didn't get something out of the game.
"The penalty was debatable but Curtis shouldn't have got himself in that situation in the first place, especially against an experienced player like Lee Hughes.
"We imposed ourselves on County in the second half. We had them rattled and if we had scored when we were on top we could have gone on to win the tie.
"We pressed hard for the equaliser and the game was in the balance until the last 10 minutes, but there was no way back after County scored their second.
true religion jeans"That came from a defensive lapse as well, but I can't be harsh on the players as they have given their all and we made a real fist of it."
Gateshead were second best in the first half, Tim Deasy saving well from onloan debutant, and manager's son, Thomas Ince, and Ben Davies, Ince also going twice from distance.
abercrombie fitchCurtis had his pocket picked by Hughes in the 21st minute attempting an ill-advised turn near the touchline though the defender appeared to have got the ball when Hughes subsequently went sprawling in the box.
Notts keeper Ron Burch made important saves from Martin Brittain and Jon Shaw after the break with the lively Brittain also firing inches over, before Rodgers beat the advancing Deasy to end Gateshead's Cup dreams.
"Gateshead are a decent side," said Ince. "It was always going to be their cup final, but we had enough chances to put the game to bed before Rodgers scored."
CAPTION(S):
CUP CLASH Gateshead's James Curtis, above left, challenges Notts County''s Thomas Ince, son of manager Paul, seen left with Heed boss Ian Bogie
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