MALCOLM CROSBY admits Gateshead could struggle to hold on to Ryan Bowman after the striker made it four goals for the season in his side’s 2-1 win over Boreham Wood.

Having scored twice in the opening-weekend win over Aldershot, Bowman claimed two more goals as the Heed came from behind again to record their second success of the campaign.

The victories sandwiched a defeat to Tranmere Rovers, and while Crosby remains frustrated at aspects of his side’s play, the former Sunderland boss is delighted with Bowman’s explosive start.

The 23-year-old has previously played with Darlington, Carlisle United and York City, and will inevitably attract admiring glances from clubs in the Football League if he maintains his current form.

“Ryan has scored two goals again, and we were able to see out the game fairly comfortably in the end,” said Crosby. “Ryan’s a good striker and I’m delighted with him. If he keeps scoring two goals every week, we won’t have him here for very long.”

Gateshead fell behind when a neat through ball from Billy Clifford enabled Jamie Lucas to beat goalkeeper Sam Russell.

They equalised when Bowman headed home a cross from Josh Gillies, and claimed a winner with nine minutes left as the pair combined again with Bowman converting Gillies’ corner.

“The performance wasn’t good in the first half,” said Crosby. “It was flat, but we had a chat at half-time and the players came out and did well after that.

“In many ways, it was similar to last week’s game against Aldershot. I wasn’t happy with our first-half display there either, but at least we have bounced back (from the Tranmere defeat).”

Gateshead: Russell, Baxter, Curtis, Ramsden, Cranston, Buddle, McLaughlin (Ramshaw 66), Chandler, Gillies, Shaw (Johnson 80), Bowman.