VINNY MUKENDI’S 89th minute strike capped a magnificent Southport fightback and sealed a remarkable sixth successive away win for the Sandgrounders.
And the character-filled comeback – after Gateshead had led 2-0 – lifted ‘Port into the Blue Square Premier’s promotion play-off zone.
It had looked bleak when Yemi Odubade and Jon Shaw struck inside four first half minutes to give Gateshead a half-time lead, but top scorer Shaun Whalley scored his seventh and eighth league goals of the season in the 67th and 75th minutes.
Whalley levelled with a wonderful strike from outside the penalty area into the top right hand corner, then as Gateshead’s discipline evaporated Josh Gillies was sent off for foul and abusive language 10 minutes from time.
Southport made their man advantage count and in the final minute Mukendi struck from the edge of the penalty area to snatch another awayday victory.
