GATESHEAD moved into the top half of the National League table as a stoppage-time own goal handed them a dramatic 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers.

Ritchie Sutton put through his own net in the third minute of injury-time as the Heed’s revival under new boss Steve Watson continued.

Gateshead’s fifth clean sheet in a row proved the bedrock of their success, although it looked like they would have to settle for a point until the final seconds of the game.

An even encounter was largely devoid of clear-cut opportunities, although Tranmere should have opened the scoring in the third minute when an unmarked James Norwood headed over.

The visitors were close again shortly after, with Olly Banks chipping over after Gateshead goalkeeper Dan Hanford made a mess of dealing with Norwood’s effort.

Gateshead’s best first-half chance came to nothing when Scott Davies made a fine double save in the Tranmere goal, keeping out efforts from Jordan Preston and Jordan Burrow.

Preston and Danny Johnson threatened after the break for the Heed, but a draw looked likely when Paddy McLaughlin failed to find the target with a late opportunity.

However, there was a final twist deep in stoppage time. Richard Peniket surged past his marker to deliver a cross from the left-hand side, and Sutton headed past his own goalkeeper to gift-wrap Gateshead an unexpected winner.

Gateshead: Hanford; Tinkler, Byrne, Fyfield, Barrow; Hannant (Maxwell 90), Penn, McLaughlin; Johnson, Burrow, Preston (Peniket 60).