Can Gateshead do what seemed impossible and survive the National League drop?
Nearly two months ago, Gateshead had just lost their 13th successive league game after to falling to defeat against Hartlepool United but as of now, Rob Elliott’s side sit five points above the drop zone.
It’s been a pretty tumultuous season for the Tynesiders, with Alun Armstrong being the man in the dug out at the start of the season. Armstrong became manager in June last year, following spells at Blyth Spartans and Darlington.
He was manager till Boxing Day last year, his final game being a three nil home defeat to Carlisle United. The Heed’s form was poor up until that point in the season, with just five wins from 24 league games played. His replacement, Rob Elliott, was previously in charge at Gateshead from October 2023 to October 2024.
The club’s board spent big in the January window, bringing in quality attacking players like Billy Chadwick, Keaton Ward, Levi Amantchi and Mark Beck. They also bolstered their defense through the signings of Louis Storey, Brad Nicholson and Ben Radcliffe. But, they lost top scorer Kain Adom to Burton Albion.
Their fortunes didn’t change immediately after Elliott’s return, though. They lost their next five league games leaving them bottom of the table. However, what was to come, was nothing other than extraordinary.
They ended their run of 13 successive league defeats with a win at Halifax Town – who were in the play offs at the time. They then followed it up with a hard fought 2-1 win at fellow strugglers Truro City, before a crazy 4-4 draw at home against Morecambe before losing to Forest Green.
In their next nine league games, they won five, drew two and lost two – the pick of the bunch being a hugely impressive home win against title chasing York City. The Heed have picked up 24 points from their last twelve games, before these games they found themselves 13 points adrift at the foot of the division.
One of the main reasons for the Heed’s upturn in form has been the contributions of its attacking force. Keaton Ward has been key since his arrival in January from Altrincham, especially in the club’s last twelve league games with eight goals and assists combined. Mark Beck has provided vital experience too – grabbing the winning goal in their latest match at home versus Yeovil Town.
The club have been boosted by the signing of defender Brad Nicholson too, since his arrival from Solihull Moors. He’s played every game since his inception into the squad, even grabbing a goal and two assists – the assists coming from his Rory Delap-like throw ins. As well as Nicholson, Ben Radcliffe captured the hearts of Heed fans despite only making 12 appearances, he was recalled by his parent club Carlisle United on 30th march.
The Heed have conceded 84 league goals this campaign, only Morecambe have conceded more (86). In their last 12 league games, Gateshead have conceded 16 goals, prior to that Halifax win, in their previous 13 league games they had conceded 34 goals. This is testament to how Rob Elliott has organized the team’s defense since he’s come in.
They travel to Cumbria on Good Friday to face Carlisle United, who sit third in the table, however after their defeat of York, the Heed can feel confident travelling to Brunton Park. They then face play-off hopefuls Scunthorpe United before a trip to fellow strugglers Aldershot Town. In their final two league games, they face mid-table sides Woking and Altrincham.
Elliott’s men can feel fearless going into these games with the momentum they have, the former Newcastle United keeper has worked wonders since his return – it begs the question, are Gateshead fans optimistic about the club’s fate for this season?
