GATESHEAD boss Neil Aspin was happy to see his side open their away account for the season with a hard-fought goalless draw at Ebbsfleet United.

Having lost their opening two away games in the National League, the Heed dug in to claim a point against an Ebbsfleet side who were promoted into the Conference last season.

The hosts had the best chances of the game, but Gateshead goalkeeper James Montgomery produced two good saves to deny Darren McQueen.

Jon Mellish went close for the Tynesiders in the closing stages, before Ebbsfleet’s Luke Coulson wasted a glorious opportunity for a breakthrough with virtually the last kick of the game.

“I thought it was a very hard game where we had to work hard for a point,” said Gateshead boss Neil Aspin. “Sometimes you feel disappointed with a point, and other times you feel as though it’s a point gained. Today, I certainly feel as though it’s a point gained.

“Ebbsfleet are unbeaten since last Christmas, and their run speaks for itself. They are a flexible side who work hard on and off the ball. I’d expect them to do well this season because they put us under pressure on a few occasions.”

Gateshead sit in sixth position in the table, and return to action with a home game against Halifax Town this afternoon.

Gateshead: Montgomery; Williams, Vassell, Byrne, Fyfield, Mellish (Johnson 78); McLaughlin, Penn; Preston (York 46); Burrow (Tinkler 66), Peniket.