'I can’t explain the feeling' - James reflects on Gateshead heroics

Gateshead goalkeeper Brad James believes that he was “scripted” to produce a crucial save during the penalty shoot-out win that sent his side into the National League North play-off semi-final.

The Heed came through a tough test on Sunday at former FA Trophy winners Brackley Town after James saved three spot-kicks to set up next weekend’s trip to Boston United.

The on-loan Boro stopper had already denied Glenn Walker and Llorell Smith by the time Ellis Myles stepped up with Gateshead leading 6-5 in the shoot-out.

James produced a stunning stop to set out wild celebrations from his team-mates as their dream of securing an immediate return to the top tier of non-league football remained alive.

And the young stopper believes that he was destined to produce the save that extended his loan spell on Tyneside into a further week.

He said: “I can’t explain the feeling, save that last penalty and seeing the lads running towards me. Knowing we had won the tie, and that I had done that, it was unbelievable.

“It’s weird because I felt that I had to save the pen, it felt like it was scripted. I’m just buzzing that I did.

“We now have to focus on Saturday at Boston, because today will mean nothing if we don’t get a win there.”

James offered an honest assessment of the goal that he conceded as the two sides battled their way to a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes.

Less than 60 seconds after Jake Cooper had headed Gateshead in front, Brackley midfielder Shane Byrne produced a stunning effort from inside the centre circle to restore parity ahead of halftime.

James insisted that he had to “make amends” for switching off just before the interval and allow Byrne’s long-distance shot evade him.

He explained: “It was a great strike to be fair – but I have to take full responsibility for that.

“I switched off for half a second and it was in the back of the net. But if there is a way to make amends, that’s the way to do it.

“I am buzzing, it’s hard to put into words.”

Gateshead will travel to Boston United in the playoff semi-final next Saturday and the winners will face a trip to either York City or Altrincham for the right to gain promotion into the National League.