GATESHEAD booked their place in tomorrow’s FA Cup first-round draw with a professional display at neighbours Dunston UTS.

The Heed avoided a potential qualifying-round upset as their superior ability told against Northern League opposition. Dunston, who were the lowest-ranked side left in the tournament on Saturday morning, can be proud of their efforts, but Steve Watson ensured his Gateshead players were never really at risk of suffering a shock.

Gateshead would have been wanting a strong start to silence a passionate home crowd, and it took just three minutes for them to break the deadlock.

Former Newcastle United academy midfielder Greg Olley was given far too much space in the penalty area, and turned neatly before drilling a low strike past Dunston goalkeeper Karl Dryden.

Mark Fitzpatrick went close with a couple of decent efforts for Dunston, but a Gateshead side featuring former Magpies centre-half Mike Williamson dominated possession throughout the first half and doubled their lead in the 16th minute.

Olley was involved again, splitting the Dunston defence with a neat through ball, and Stephen Rigg continued his impressive recent goalscoring form as he slotted home.

Robbie Tinkler almost added a third goal for the Heed, and while Fitzpatrick again threatened for Dunston, the game was effectively settled when the visitors stretched their lead shortly before the break. Rigg teed up Scott Boden, and he drilled a clinical low finish into the Dunston net.

Gateshead goalkeeper Aynsley Pears saved Jake Stafford’s free-kick as Dunston refused to cave in at the start of the second half, but the visitors were able to negotiate the second 45 minutes with a minimum of fuss.

Luke Armstrong headed over as the Heed pushed for a fourth goal, which arrived with 15 minutes left courtesy of Luke Molyneux.

The on-loan Sunderland forward claimed his first Gateshead goal as he beat Dryden at his near post with a fierce low drive.

“The atmosphere was great,” said Olley.  “It was a great advert for North-East football, especially with it being televised. The early kick-off meant fans from other clubs could come and watch us, including a number of younger kids and hopefully it’ll encourage them to get into football themselves.

“I think we’ll fancy ourselves against anyone in the next round. We’re going well at the minute, playing some good stuff, and our confidence is high. I’m looking forward to seeing who we get.”

Dunston: Dryden, C Elliott, Halliday, Grant-Soulsby, Pearson, Stafford, Thear (Nellis 67), Little, J Elliott, Fitzpatrick, Brooks (Heslop 54).

Gateshead: Pears, Tinkler, Kerr, Williamson, Mellish (O’Donnell 61), Barrow, White, Olley, Hunter, Boden (Armstrong 63), Rigg (Molyneux 63).