Gateshead boss feels the FA Trophy final is a wonderful reward after a challenging season.
A “fantastic reward for what has been a real slog and a real hard season” is what Gateshead FC’s boss called playing in the FA Trophy final.
In the semi-final on Saturday, the National League’s top team defeated Macclesfield FC of the Northern Premier League 2-1 to secure their trip to Wembley.
With the win, The Heed will play Solihull Moors in the final on May 11 for the second consecutive season.
Rob Elliot, the manager, stated that the “end goal of going to Wembley just gives everyone that reward for what has been a brilliant season, but a gruelling one as well” .
Five minutes into the match, Gateshead, currently sixth in the National League, took the lead thanks to a goal from midfielder Ben Worman, which was set up by Dajaune Brown.
The Heed’s Callum Whelan scored their second goal in the 25th minute, and The Silkmen responded just after the interval.
But despite challenging circumstances, including storm gusts whipping through Gateshead International Stadium, the local team managed to hold on and earn a trip to the capital.
“Really pleased with the application and the attitude of the lads in what has been horrendously difficult conditions,” Elliot remarked following the game.
“Despite the conditions, they managed to show some real quality and movement and play,” he stated.
“The end goal of going to Wembley just gives everyone that reward for what has been a brilliant season but a gruelling one as well.”
The team, which lost the previous year’s final against Halifax Town 1-0, will be looking for a better day at Wembley.
