Gateshead march on as James proves penalty shoot-out hero

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad James was Gateshead’s hero as they survived a penalty shoot-out at Brackley Town to reach the National League North play-off semi-final.

The young stopper produced three outstanding saves in a dramatic shoot-out to send his side into a last-four tie at Boston United next Saturday.

The former FA Trophy winners had the better of the early exchanges but the first water break of the game saw Mike Williamson’s side wrestle the initiative from their hosts.

Gateshead had a golden opportunity to draw first blood ten minutes before half-time when Alex Nicholson was upended in the hosts area by former Coventry City midfielder Carl Baker.

Referee Scott Simpson wasted little time in awarding a penalty – but Jordan Preston squandered the opportunity to put his side ahead when his spot-kick was easily saved by the legs of Town keeper Danny Lewis.

The Heed pressure finally paid off in the third minute of injury-time as Olley’s inswinging free-kick caused problems in the home defeat and allowed Jake Cooper to head home at the far post.

But the home side restored parity on the brink of halftime when midfielder Shane Byrne produced a stunning long-range effort from inside the centre-circle that sailed over Brad James’ head and into the net.

The Heed showed no ill-effects of their disappointment at seeing their lead wiped out as they started on top after the restart.

A first chance after the restart finally arrived on the hour-mark when Elliott Forbes broke out of defence and brought a smart save out of Lewis after taking a return pass from the influential Deverdics.

However, there was a big let-off for Gateshead with just under ten minutes left as they struggled to clear a corner-kick and Liam Agnew was forced to clear a loose ball from his goal-line.

JJ O’Donnell and Jordan

Preston went close to winning the tie for the Heed inside the closing-stages as both saw efforts drop narrowly wide of Danny Lewis’ net.

But with no further goals it was penalties that decided the tie and James produced a fine save from Ellis Myles to ensure that Gateshead’s dream of returning to nonleague’s top tier at the first time of asking remains truly alive.