Three in a row for Macclesfield as Gateshead's rotten run continues

Dennis, who had missed the last three games, netted his 10th goal of the season in the 59th minute as the visitors' winless run was stretched to four games.

Ryan Bowman headed over for Gateshead while goalkeeper Sam Russell was forced to save from Danny Rowe at the other end in a low-key first period.

Russell was called into action to deny Dennis early in the second period, but the striker soon opened the scoring when he was sent through on goal by Rowe before slotting past Russell.

Gateshead did manage to get the ball in the net as they pressed for a leveller, but an assistant's flag cut short Ben Clark's celebrations after he had slid in to turn James Marwood's free-kick across the line.