As a captain should it was Kris Gate who got things started tapping in after just eight minutes to put the home side ahead.
Steven Richardson came close a minute later, but finally got on the score sheet for the first time this season on 39 minutes to make it 2-0.
Half Time 0-0.
The second saw Salisbury find their feet, and a suspected handball unseen by those in the crowd gave the visitors a 54 minute penalty.
Matt Tubbs duly stepped up and sent Provett the wrong way to his side a chance.
Daniel Webb made it hard for Salisbury though when he was judged to have elbowed Stephane Pelonde in the face. The referee had no choice but to show the player a second yellow on 76 minutes.
Gateshead did what was needed to secure the points, although a third goal nearly came from right back Craig Baxter, who thundered a free-kick off the crossbar in the final ten minutes.
Full Time: Gateshead 2, Salisbury City 1.