Howells delighted with Tynesiders point

In truly awful conditions, Town battled to a goalless draw against the division’s in-form team, extending their own unbeaten run to 10 games in the process.

Howells, who made his 250th appearance, said: “We know we’re on a good run, we’re unbeaten and to get a point up here, we’re doing well.

“Especially when they’re at home and they’re playing well. They’ve picked up some good results recently, we’ve come here and picked up a good point.

“It wasn’t easy out there, everyone knows they’re a good side, they passed the ball well first half, but we stayed as a team.

“Everyone worked hard on the pitch and I thought we deserved the point. To get a point here, I think everyone’s happy with that.”

On the appalling weather that faced them, Howells said: “It’s the same for both teams and everyone has to adapt to it, but it’s football.”

Howells also praised Town’s defence for keeping yet another clean sheet, their 10th in 18 games, but first in the league since September’s stalemate at Hereford.

He continued: “Getting a clean sheet away at Gateshead is a task on its own and it started from the front.

“Benno (Paul Benson) worked so hard to help us keep a clean sheet and the back four and goalie.

“They did very well to keep them out so everyone deserves it.”

Town could have stolen the points late on, but Luke Guttridge scuffed wide as the ball held up on the already sodden surface.

Howells added: “He’s scored a good few goals this season, it didn’t go for him, but I’m sure it will next Saturday.”

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