THERE was an all too obvious mixture of elation and relief that enveloped Gateshead's International Stadium just under two weeks ago.
The shrill of referee Aaron Bannister's whistle signalled the end of a hard-fought win over newly crowned champions Chesterfield that sealed the Tynesiders' place in the National League play-offs.
For only the second time in their history, after a campaign pockmarked by the departure of manager Mike Williamson to MK Dons, a never-ending battle with injuries and the sale of key players like Stephen Wearne, the Heed had secured a place in the end-of-season knockouts and were a step closer to a first return to the Football League since 1960.
Defender Kenton Richardson punched the cold Tyneside air in delight, even interim manager Rob Elliot was persuaded to join in and why not? This was a victory against all odds, a tick of the box for smart recruitment, shrewd investment and, most of all, for an unbreakable bond between players and staff.
Esta historia es de la edición April 28, 2024 de The Non-League Football Paper.
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Esta historia es de la edición April 28, 2024 de The Non-League Football Paper.
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ENSIGN TEEN IS TAYLOR MADE!
WHITE Ensign boss Aaron Bloxham has hailed teenage talent Taylor Jacobi after his stoppage-time winner created history.
RAMADAN A RHYTHM IS BACK IN AT BLUES!
CEMAL RAMADAN reckons Bury Town have got back into their rhythm- but knows the Isthmian North title race is going to be a long haul.
DECRUZ IS SINGING THE BLUES FOR DREAM TIE
MERSTHAM manager Jamie Decruz says it would be \"crazy\" not to stage his side's glamour FA Youth Cup tie with Chelsea anywhere other than Stamford Bridge.
GLASSBOYS'JORDAAN IS A SCROOGE FOR BUCKS!
STOURBRIDGE snatched a dramatic stoppage time equaliser to seal a share of the points following a pulsating contest with promotion rivals Telford.
CLINICAL CALLUM HITS THE BULLSEYE
DARTFORD their D place in the play-off places as a 79th-minute goal from Callum Jones gave Adrian Pennock's side all three points.
ARDLEY'S OFF TO A WINNER!
NEAL Ardley got off to a winning start as Woking boss with victory over play-off chasing Altrincham and then admitted the Robins have set the mantra he would like the Cards to follow.
MADINE'S A MARVEL AT POOLS
GARY Madine's third goal in a Hartlepool United shirt fired his team to within two points of the National League play-offs after a dramatic victory over Yeovil Town.
BEES RATTLED BY TOP TOWN
BARNET slipped behind York City at the top of the National League after they were held to a draw by FC Halifax Town - a result thoroughly deserved by the Shaymen who battled for the whole game and gave the Bees barely a sight of goal.
Rovers denied by resilient Shots
DISAPPOINTED Steve Cotterill believes that his side had enough chances to beat Aldershot Town after dropping two points in their title quest.
KEEPER JOS REVELS AS GOAL HERO
IF you think goalkeepers never score, you must be Bark-ing mad.
