COMMUNITY WILL UNITE TO HELP HEED ON A LONG ROAD AHEAD

Local pride can heal the pain of play-off snub

- Mark Carruthers

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.