A healthy crowd – buoyed by the club's recent promotion – was present to witness an excellent Gateshead side, managed by former Newcastle United player Ian Bogie, play some superb passing football to beat the home team 4-0 in what was a great exercise for Gary Steadman's players.

The first half was very even, but Gateshead started the brighter, twice going close in the opening five minutes.

It was 25 minutes before they troubled Simon Parkin in the Shields goal, hitting the bar with a header.

Shields matched Gateshead for the first 45 minutes, and would have been delighted with their performance going into the break at 0-0.

South Shields made six changes at half time with Clark, Johnson, Pendergood – Oates, Coe and Anderson replacing Scorer, Graham, Crew, Parkin, Parkinson and Houlaghan.

It didn't take long for Gateshead to score on their retun to the field.

On 50 minutes, substitute Graham Armstrong – under pressure from Kyle Pendergood, hit a shot that chipped Clark in the Shields goal.

Within three minutes, it was 2-0 when Armstrong tapped home from close range to double his tally.

Gateshead added a third shortly after when Karl Jones put away an easy chance from the corner.

South Shields got their first attempt of the half when a great run and long-range effort went marginally wide from Tony Coe.

But the possession was to be short-lived when on 60 minutes, Armstrong completed his hat-trick.

Last season's top scorer Mark Johnson had two attempts at the Gateshead goal, but neither caused the keeper any difficulty.

The score remained at 4-0 and Shields will hope to put the result behind them when they entertain Birtley at Filtrona Park on Saturday in their next pre-season friendly.

South Shields FC squad: Parkin, Parkinson, Russell, Scorer, O'Brien, Brocklehurst, Houlaghan, Scroggins, Graham, Crew, Roden, Coe, Johnson, Pendergood, Oates, Anderson.