Boro overcome an impressive Gateshead side as they continued their positive start to pre-season.
Darragh Lenihan headed in the only goal half an hour in as he marked his return to the team in excellent fashion.
Michael Carrick changed his full starting XI from the team which lined up against Bishop Auckland on Saturday, with Lenihan among those brought in for his first appearance since last October.
Lukas Engel had a header saved as Boro started brightly but it took until the half-hour mark for the breakthrough to arrive.
Dan Barlaser swung in a superb free-kick from the right which Lenihan powered into the net with his head.
Callum Whelan headed wide at the back post as Gateshead attempted to hit back but Boro ended the first half on top, going close to a second when Alex Gilbert fired over from 12 yards.
Delano Burgzorg marked his first appearance in front of Boro fans with a goal against Bolton and attempted to repeat the trick early in the second half, but his low drive was parried by Tiernan Brooks in the Gateshead goal.
Brooks again did brilliantly to deny Finn Azaz on 68 minutes, saving sharply to his left after the Boro substitute had been played in.
There was a similar opening for Riley McGree, whose strike was deflected over, and he later went closer still with a low shot which Brooks tipped wide.
It was another good night’s work for Carrick’s men, who continue their pre-season preparations with a visit to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday (2pm kick-off).
Gateshead: Brooks, Tinkler, Richardson, Grayson, Hannant, Adom, Whelan, Trialist, Booty, McGowan, Oseni.
Subs: Trialist, Williams, Thompson, Rutledge, Pani, John, Fell.
Boro: Glover, Barlaser (McCabe 61), Hackney (Morris 61), Latte Lath (Coburn 61), Burgzorg (McGree 61), Gilbert (Azaz 61), Dijksteel (Ayling 61), Howson (van den Berg 61), Lenihan (Clarke 46), Engel (McCormick 61), Finch (Jones 61).
Subs: Hamelberg, Brynn.
Goals: Lenihan (30).
Attendance: 1,319 (845 Boro).
