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.
Denne historien er fra April 28, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 28, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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WHITES GO FOLLOWING
WIDNES moved six points clear at the top of the league following a gutsy draw at play-off-chasing Hednes ford.
SILKMEN ALMOST UP WITH BIG WIN
WINNING 3-1 at Warrington Rylands, and with their nearest rivals dropping points, Macclesfield tightened their grip on the league, extending their lead at the top to 22 points with just 10 games to play.
RESURGENT REYNOLDS REBELLING AT RYLANDS
NEIL Reynolds is relishing being back in control at Warrington Rylands - and says getting sacked by FC United was the best thing that could have happened to him.
KEV MUST SETTLE FOR A POINT!
SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher felt his deserved at least a share of the spoils from this hard-fought draw with Rochdale at Roots Hall.
BORO IN HEAVEN COURTESY OF MATT
MATT SARGENT scored late on to seal the points for Radcliffe after Kieran Burton was sent off for Buxton in the second half.
FIVE STAR TIGERS COOK-ING ON GAS
LOUCESTER put on a fivestar performance in front of a bumper crowd at the TigerTurf Stadium.
IT'S ALL CHANGE FOR CRISIS CELTS
...but board say 3G pitch plans shelved
BIRTHDAY BOY TAYLOR SEALS THE DEAL FOR SOLID ROBINS
GATESHEAD and Altrincham produced a trademark game between the two sides of thrills and spills, an entertaining match somehow producing just one goal.
PENALTY HEROICS INSPIRE WOOD!
A PENALTY save from Boreham Wood keeper Nathan Ashmore and three quickfire goals in what Eastbourne Borough boss Adam Murray described as \"five minutes of madness\" turned this game on its head.
LET US PLAY IF WE WANT
AFC FYLDE chairman David Haythornthwaite believes introducing a waiver form to exonerate officials when both clubs are happy to play a game in doubt, will see fewer matches postponed.
