ROB'S SO HAPPY TO RIGHT THE WRONGS

ROB ELLIOT says he knew Gateshead would win the FA Trophy when they went for a players’ night out to get over their play-off heartache, insisting there were “wrongs to be righted” at Wembley.

- Matthew Nash

The Heed triumphed 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra-time to win the competition for the first time and interim boss Elliot revealed he felt it was going to be their day after their team bonding session at the start of the month.

Gateshead were not allowed to compete in the end-of-season play-offs because of issues with their International Stadium but bounced back to avenge their Trophy defeat by Halifax a year ago.

“I don’t think it fuelled us in the way you would think. Promotion to the Football League was our priority and our aim and why this special group was put together despite our resources,” said the interim boss.

“The best thing about it is they relished the opportunity. The staff and the players have been incredible. It’s a huge testament to this group on how they dealt with it. There was some anger, some sadness.