‘Pain of loss is a massive motivation’

THE stinging pain of defeat can inspire Gateshead to Wembley success this afternoon according to Heed defender Kenton Richardson.

The former Sunderland and Hartlepool United prospect was part of the Tynesiders’ starting 11 when they fell to an underwhelming 1-0 defeat against National League rivals FC Halifax Town in last year’s FA Trophy Final.

Now 12 months on, after wins against the likes of Rochdale, Hereford and Macclesfield, the men from the International Stadium will walk out under the arch once again when they face Solihull Moors in a battle of two sides looking to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.

As he sat and reflected on last year’s final, Richardson admitted the image of Halifax lifting the trophy in their aftermath of their win remains at the forefront of his mind - and it adds motivation to secure a more positive outcome come 6pm this evening.

He told the Chronicle: “I think for a lot of the lads here last year, the pain of defeat is a massive motivation to go and win it this year. We saw Halifax lift the trophy, when we were still on the pitch, and it hurts.

“The squad we have this year is one of the best in the league.

Last year, we had players injured and cup-tied and I don’t think we did ourselves justice to be honest. I don’t know what it would have been but we just didn’t play our way, we didn’t threaten, it was a boring game and we like to attack and make things exciting.

“As a young player, that’s what you dream of, playing at Wembley and I can’t wait. I’ve had a good season personally and I want to carry that on to end the season on a high.”

As it stands, his Wembley appearance could be

Richardson’s last in a Gateshead shirt.

The England C defender has enjoyed a positive two-year spell at the International Stadium - but his current contract will come to an end next month and he admitted he is unsure of what could lie ahead, despite declaring his love for his current employers.

He said: “There is an air of the unknown, even I don’t know what’s going to happen - but that just gives even more reason to go out there and give it my all. I absolutely love it here, the lads and the staff, it’s a great environment to play football in and just to spend time.”