I celebrated Gateshead FC's great escape on the final day of a remarkable season

The Heed’s incredible turnaround, securing their National League status, meant fans were in great spirits for the away trip to Altrincham on Saturday

15:47, 27 Apr 2026

When I organised the trip to head to Manchester for Gateshead FC‘s final game of the season in the middle of March, it looked as if the fight to stay in the National League for the Heed would go right to the wire. At that point, Gateshead were second bottom, and two points off safety, and while safety looked like a possibility, it certainly didn’t look like a given.

I never would have thought that, less than six weeks later, as I was packing my bag for the trip, I’d be in a much more relaxed mood, with the threat of relegation no longer having over the club. The return of FA Trophy winning manager Rob Elliot ushered in a series of incredible results, taking 31 points from a possible 45 to secure safety on April 11, with two games to spare.

As we travelled down, spirits were incredibly high, and although we wanted to see the season end with a win, it felt as if the result would almost be secondary to the party atmosphere we were set to experience. Even on the tram towards Altrincham, Heed fans were chanting, and smiles adorned the faces of the North East faithful.

Arriving at the J Davidson Stadium, otherwise known as Moss Lane, the sun was shining as I grabbed myself a classic cheeseburger and chips, which I was impressed by, although having left my house just before 7am without breakfast, my stomach wasn’t feeling particularly fussy.

As the warmups were taking place on the pitch in front of us, more and more Gateshead fans, wearing fancy dress, per the final away game tradition, arrived around us. The costumes included Darth Vader, Ali G, Uncle Fester, Luke Littler, The Grinch, and even a Greggs sausage roll.

The Gateshead players and staff were welcomed to the pitch by an 200 strong away unit in great voice, celebrating with chants of ‘Don’t you know pump it up, the Heed are staying up’. Saturday’s opponents Altrincham also had no immediate permutations that they were competing for, but both teams wanted to end the season on a high.

Unfortunately, Alty did take an early lead after five minutes, capitalising on an error from goalkeeper Shea Connor, and a second game just 15 minutes after, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the Heed Army. The mood improved even further as Sunderland loanee Ethan Moore pulled one back just before the break.

After a scorching half-time which forced me into a couple of drink purchases, the second half started with Gateshead looking to kick on from their encouraging late goal in the previous period of play. Despite their considerable efforts, the equaliser never came, and a third was added by the hosts as the Heed goalkeeper was caught out high up the pitch, after going to attack a corner.

The most important moment of the day came when everyone from Gateshead, the players, and coaching staff, approached the away fans with applause, high-fiving each and every person at the barrier, and thanking us for our support. There was a real sense of genuineness in this, with the Heed fans supporting the team every step of the way through the miraculous comeback.

Rob Elliot made sure to say “see you next season” to the fans, marking the former Newcastle United goalkeeper’s own aspirations for the club next time out. The togetherness between all of a Gateshead persuasion was evident, and it was fantastic to be part of such a positive experience.

The only negative was a slight sunburn I picked up in the process, otherwise, it was a brilliant experience, and a stand out away trip in my football supporting life so far. This team has shown it is made of tough stuff, and its fanbase is too, so we can rest assured that the entire Heed Army will be back in the next campaign, in fine form and with lofty ambitions.

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