Prolific Gateshead striker Jon Shaw shot down his former club with his second hat-trick in two games in front of a record Conference attendance at the International Stadium.

The Sheffield-born marksman headed the joint-leaders into a second-minute lead after being left unattended five-yards out from a Josh Gillies corner.

But York replied from their first attack of note midway through the opening half. Jamie Reed supplied the pass and Jason Walker cleverly chipped over the keeper from eight-yards for his ninth goal of the campaign.

Moments later Reed struck the crossbar from an offside position but it was Gateshead quickly restoring their advantage as Gillies delivered another inviting cross headed in by Shaw [right] for a virtual repeat of his earlier goal.

Michael Cummins and Yemi Odubade both then forced York goalkeeper Michael Ingham into action before his opposite number, Paul Farman, gathered a deflected Ashley Chambers shot just before the break.

York defender David McGurk picked up an early second-half booking for a foul on Odubade that will now rule him out of the next game after already receiving five cautions this season.

Andre Boucaud in turn drove wide for the visitors but it was their opponents still appearing the more likely and Gillies struck at Ingham before Ben Clark headed wide.

But Shaw extended their advantage from the penalty spot on 69 minutes after Jon Challinor was penalised for holding back the lively Odubade. It was the sixth penalty given away by the Minstermen in twelve games and Shaw's thirteenth goal of the campaign.

York keeper Ingham then twice saved from Odubade before James Curtis headed an Adriano Moké corner past Farman with three minutes remaining to give the visitors late hope.

But despite throwing men forward and having attempts from Matty Blair and James Meredith covered by Farman, an impressive Gateshead side held on to reclaim their place at the top of the table.