Shaymen draw a blank on the return of Aspin

It was the first goalless stalemate for Halifax under manager Jim Harvey, and Miller did not think either team’s attack was good enough on the day.

“I think we created a few opportunities in the first half, although there weren’t many clear chances in the game,” he said.

“First half, we looked threatening, second half, it went a bit scrappy and the draw’s probably a fair result.

“There were a few formation changes as the game went on from both teams.

“We tried different things, but we couldn’t break each other down.”

The sight of Neil Aspin in the away dugout took some getting used to, with the former Halifax manager getting a standing ovation from the home fans.

Gateshead captain Ben Clark was arguably lucky to stay on the pitch when he bustled Josh Macdonald off the ball, having already been booked for a foul on the winger a few minutes earlier.

The Gateshead dugout were off their seats when Matty Pattison turned and shot inside the area, but his driven effort ruffled the side-netting.

Jake Hibbs showed great tenacity to win possession before Nicky Wroe launched a rocket of a shot narrowly over from 25 yards.

Danny Johnson shot just wide across goal after a run from the halfway line and he then sent another shot crashing just wide late on.

FC Halifax Town: Johnson, Bolton, Brown, Bencherif, McManus, J Macdonald (S McDonald 66), Wroe, James, Hibbs, Whitehouse (Hughes 57), Peniket (Burrow 63). Unused substitutes: Porter, Walker.

Gateshead: Russell, McLaughlin, Clark, Curtis, Pattison (Gillies 63), Bennett, Ramshaw (Johnson 46), Mafuta, Whitmore, Hamilton (Chandler 89), Bowman. Unused substitutes: Shaw, Pearson.

Referee: S Rushton (Staffordshire).

Man of the match: James Curtis.