Mike calls on Heed to come back stronger after defeat
Gateshead player-manager Mike Williamson has called on his players to “come back stronger” after their National League North play-off semifinal defeat at Boston United.
The reverse ended the Heed’ s chances of ending their campaign by securing a return to non-league’ s top table just 12 months after being relegated as a punishment for financial irregularities under the club’ s former owners.
A season of rebuilding and developing the squad came to an end at York Street on Saturday as Williamson’s side fell to a 5-3 defeat against a strong Pilgrims side. All eyes will now turn towards planning for a return to league action in Septemberas the Heed prepare to battle with the likes of Spennymoor Town, York City and newly-relegated AFC Fylde at the top end of the National League North table.
Williamson hailed the efforts of his squad and the club’ s directors as he assessed the events of the previous 12 months at the International Stadium and revealed his burning desire to build on the progress made in his first season in management.
“The lads never stopped pushing, they never give up,” explained Williamson.
“We all have to take this on, young and old, learn from it and come back stronger.
“We are hurting right now, but that’s the nature of the industry and what sets people apart, winners and losers, is how you react.
“That sets you apart and this has been a massive learning curve for us all.”
Gateshead looked to be on their way to setting up a play-off final visit to Altrincham next weekend when JJ O’Donnell headed them in front midway through the first half at Boston. However, a pair of contentious penalty decisions allowed the hosts to take an unexpected lead into half-time.
Jordan Thewlis kept his cool from 12 yards to get his side on level-terms and he doubled his tally for the day just before half-time with a second spot-kick. Gateshead got themselves back into the game six minutes into the second half as Alex Nicholson fired home the third penalty of the day. But a fine finish from Rollins and a cross-shot from Wright put the initiative firmly in the hands of the Pilgrims as the game headed towards its final 10 minutes.
Wright doubled his tally with a cool finish and his side held on to progress into the final, despite Elliott Forbes giving Heed some hope of mounting a comeback with a well-taken header late on.