Langstaff brace kicks off party for title winners
GOLDEN boot winner Macaulay Langstaff made it a day to remember for Gateshead as they clinched a 2-1 win over Hereford before lifting the National League North trophy.
The forward notched a brace to take his tally for the season to a 32 goals as more than 4,000 fans turned out to see the Heed bring down the curtain on an incredible campaign.
Gateshead fell just one goal short of bringing a century of league strikes as on-loan Wolves keeper Andreas Sondergaard put in a superb display.
But Langstaff and strike partner Cedwyn Scott, who found the net 26 times himself this season, showed just why the Tynesiders are worthy title winners with another pair of highenergy performances. Both could have had hat-tricks on another day.
Once again the Tynesiders failed to keep a clean sheet and defensive improvements are needed ahead of next season’s return to the National League but they deservedly saw the game out.
The bumper crowd created a carnival atmosphere at the International Stadium and the post-match celebrations were a fitting tribute to the efforts of player-manager Mike Williamson and his side this season.
Yesterday’s victory was their 29th in the league as Gateshead finished with the best home record and joint-best away record.
“From start to finish the players have been exceptional,” said a delighted Williamson. “They have been a great group to work with.
“They have stuck with the process, forged their identity and worked exceptionally hard to gain their just rewards.
“We wanted to sign off with a win and we’ve done that and winning the league is a great achievement.