Gateshead discover more National League 2026/27 rivals as Carlisle and Scunthorpe suffer play-off heartache

Gateshead now know four more of their opponents for the 2026/27 National League season.

Carlisle United and Scunthorpe United will visit the International Stadium next season after both clubs suffered agonising defeats in National League play-off semi-final ties over the weekend. The Cumbrians went into extra-time in their home tie with Boreham Wood after Cumbrians captain Morgan Feeney cancelled out an opener from Abdul Abdulmalik. However, it was the visitors that progressed to a Wembley final thanks to a Zak Brunt strike with 106 minutes on the clock.

Luke Garrard’s side will face National League runners-up Rochdale in the promotion final after they saw off Scunthorpe United at Spotland. An early own goal and a goal from former Hartlepool United forward Devante Rodney helped the Dale move within 90 minutes of a potential return to the EFL - although they were made to work for their way as Declan Howe’s late strike gave the Iron some home of mounting a comeback.

Barrow and Harrogate Town relegated from League Two

Barrow and Harrogate Town will also take their place in the National League next season after their relegation from League Two was confirmed on Saturday afternoon. Harrogate suffered a nightmare start in their home game with Barnet as Callum Stead fired the Bees in front with just five minutes on the clock - but former Middlesbrough man Bryn Morris restored parity on the half-hour mark. However, Phillip Chinedu’s goal eight minutes from time confirmed Simon Weaver’s side will return to the top tier of the non-league game.

Barrow ended a difficult season at the bottom of the League Two table after they suffered a 2-1 home defeat against fellow strugglers Newport County. It all started well for the hosts as Charlie McCann fired them in front on nine minutes - but their relegation was confirmed as visitors duo Tom Davies and Bobby Kamwa both scored inside the final 15 minutes.

National League North and South play-off finals confirmed

Some familiar faces could be making a return to the International Stadium next season after former Heed assistant manager Ian Watson and his South Shields side secured their place in the National League North play-off final with a hard-earned semi-final win against Buxton on Saturday. A penalty from former Gateshead striker Paul Blackett was enough for a Mariners side containing other Heed old boys Robbie Tinkler and Jack Roles. However, Kidderminster Harriers stand in South Shields’ way after their 3-1 win against Macclesfield and they will travel to the 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday lunchtime looking to inflict a third defeat on Watson’s side.

Hornchurch and Torquay United will compete in this season’s National League South final on Saturday after coming through their respective semi-final ties with Weston-Super-Mare and Dorking Wanderers. Goals from Josh Rees and Harry Sandat were enough for Hornchurch to secure a 2-0 win and Deon Moore’s brace laid the foundations for Torquay’s 4-2 victory against Dorking.

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