Two late goals from substitute Tommy Wright earned Sutton United a 2-0 victory over Gateshead at the International Stadium on Saturday.

Wright opened the scoring 10 minutes after coming off the bench when he beat Gateshead goalkeeper Dan Harford to an enticing Louis John cross to head into the net in the 74th minute.

The 21-year-old hot-shot then added a second in the 81st minute when he fired low past Hanford from 20 yards to further enhance his growing reputation and make the return leg more bearable for the 64 Sutton fans who made the 600-mile round trip to Tyneside.

Manager Paul Doswell rejigged his line up with Wigan Athletic loanee Owen Evans taking over in goal from the injured Jamie Butler and Harry Beautyman returning to Sutton's midfield following last week's transfer from League Two side Stevenage.

Both players gave impressive performances as Wright's late show turned what had otherwise been a dull game in Sutton's favour.

Doswell thought the situation was ideal for Wright to make an impact, priming the young striker before the match and the plan worked perfectly.

"Tommy has now got eight goals after coming off the bench and two when he's started matches," explained the Sutton boss.

"So I told him to be ready to come on around the 60/65 minute mark.

"We thought the game might open up around then and they were two great finishes from the lad. He's an instinctive forward, he likes to play infront of defenders.

"The goals weren't in keeping with the game because it was a difficult game to watch. It was a horrible day. Swirling wind, rain, sleet and snow.

"The pitch was very good, actually, but it was the strong wind which made the game not good to watch, if I am honest. But it's a valuable three away points.

"We travelled up on the day and it's a long, long journey. We didn't look as fluid as them in the first half but Bairdy [coach Ian Baird] got into them at half-time, said the right things and we controlled the early part of the second half creating a few opportunities."

With injuries affecting his team selection Doswell was pleased to be able to call on the experience and class of Beautyman for such a difficult away trip.

"He was our bright spark in the first half.

"He made some typical Harry Beautyman runs and I thought he was going to mark his return with a goal. He had a couple of shots which on another day would have gone in.

"We've strengthened wisely by bringing Harry in. He's a great compliment to [Craig] Eastmond, [Kenny] Davis and [Simon] Walton in midfield."

There was further good news for Sutton supporters at the weekend with the news that winger Tom Bolarinwa had made his loan move from Grimsby Town permanent by penning a two and a half year contract.

The win at Gateshead keeps United in third place in the Vanarama National League, six points behind leaders Macclesfield.

The U's are due to host Molesey tonight in the second round of the Surrey Senior Cup with a team mixed with first-teamers and academy players. Kick-off at the Knights Community Stadium is 7.45pm.