Jai Reason scored one penalty but missed another as Maidstone lost to a late goal at Gateshead.

Reason cancelled out Lewis McNall's early opener and had a second chance to score from the spot after being headbutted off the ball by Heed keeper Dan Hanford.

Hanford was sent off but replacement goalie James Montgomery saved Reason’s kick and Gateshead went on to pinch victory with an 88th-minute free-kick from Ben Fox.

Maidstone are now 13 matches without a win in the National League.

Jamar Loza was passed fit after a groin injury and came into the side for Johan ter Horst while Reason replaced Jack Paxman as Maidstone made two changes from the 3-0 defeat at AFC Fylde on Tuesday night.

Gateshead flew at United in a fast start that saw Magnus Okuonghae block from Wes York before the Heed’s opening goal in the third minute.

It came from a ball over the ball the top with United appealing for offside as McNall ran through on his own, rounded Lee Worgan and found the empty net.

Gateshead were comfortably on top, Scott Barrow close from 25 yards and Fox not far away after York got down the right and found Paddy McLaughlin, whose neat lay-off set up the chance.

Maidstone’s 19th-minute equaliser came from one of their first attacks, with Stuart Lewis brought down in the box by Neill Byrne and Reason smashing home the penalty.

The visitors then grew into the game, with Reason an increasing influence in midfield.

They missed a good chance to take the lead when Reason found Loza whose ball across goal was cleared straight to Reece Prestedge, who fired over from 10 yards.

Worgan made a flying save from McLaughlin at the other end before another good opportunity fell Maidstone’s way in added time.

This time Reason freed Delano Sam-Yorke after collecting Loza’s pass with the Stones striker just missing the target from the edge of the area.

A nice break down the left from Gateshead early in the second half saw Fox feed Barrow whose cross was fired over by McNall under pressure from Alex Wynter.

United went closer moments later with Loza rolling the ball inches past the far post then Wynter’s header from a corner was tipped over.

It all kicked off in the 74th minute when Heed keeper headbutted Reason off the ball just inside the area and was sent off, with referee Glen Hart awarding a penalty.

Almost four minutes had elapsed by the time Reason stepped up but a poor kick was easily saved by substitute Montgomery.

Maidstone were punished for the miss when Fox bent a 20-yard free-kick into the top corner with two minutes left.

Maidstone: Worgan, Twumasi, Okuonghae, Wynter, Anderson, Prestedge (Muldoon 82mins), Lewis, Reason (ter Horst 90mins), Osei (Coker 70mins), Sam-Yorke, Loza. Subs not used: Hare, Paxman.

Attendance: