Former Gateshead duo experience Wembley glory as National League lineup decided

There was Wembley glory for former Gateshead duo Luke Hannant and Ed Francis on Sunday as they helped Rochdale see off Boreham Wood to claim a return to the EFL.

The National League promotion final was a dramatic affair once again as The Wood looked to be securing a first ever promotion into League Two when Matt Rush and Abdul Abdulmalik put them two goals ahead with just over 20 minutes remaining. However, Tyler Smith gave Rochdale some hope of mounting a comeback before Hartlepool United striker Mani Dieseruvwe forced the game into extra-time with a header in the seventh minute of injury-time.

With no further goals, a penalty shoot-out decided the final and it went the way of the Dale, meaning Boreham Wood were confirmed as the last of the Heed’s 23 opponents for the 2026/27 National League season.

Play-off final disappointment for former Poolies

Hopes of another North East club joining the Heed in the top tier of the non-league game were dashed when South Shields fell to a 2-0 defeat against Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North play-off final.

With former Heed stars Robbie Tinkler and Paul Blackett in their starting lineup and Ian Watson, Mike Williamson and Carl Magnay watching on from the bench, South Shields were beaten for the third time this season as the Harriers landed a return to the National League after a two-year absence. Two goals in as many first-half minutes from Kieren Donnelly and Charlie Cooper were enough to see off the Mariners and see Harriers join National League North champions AFC Fylde in the National League.

Speaking after the game, former Heed assistant manager Watson said: “It’s a tough day for everyone at the football club. I think it’s made tougher because, in my opinion, we were the better team and we created a lot of chances. We just had a crazy two minutes, which has ultimately costs, it’s cost us not just the game, but it’s cost us promotion. So it hurts that extra bit more. But we gave everything, we gave everything all season, the boys gave everything and that’s all we can ask.”

A new name arrives from the South

Gateshead will have a new opponent next season after Hornchurch claimed a dramatic win against Torquay United in the National League South play-off final.

The tie went into extra time after two goals from Torquay striker Deon Moore were cancelled out by hosts duo Dominic Poleon and Harry Hearn before Sam Ling netted the winner three minutes from the end of extra-time to send Hornchurch into the top tier of the non-league game for the first time in their history. They will be joined in next season’s National League by Worthing after they were crowned as champions two weeks ago.

The 2026/27 National League lineup

AFC Fylde (National League North champions), Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Barrow (relegated from League Two), Boreham Wood, Boston United, Carlisle United, Eastleigh, FC Halifax Town, Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead, Harrogate Town (relegated from League Two), Hartlepool United, Hornchurch (National League South play-off winners), Kidderminster Harriers (National League North play-off winners), Scunthorpe United, Solihull Moors, Southend United, Sutton United, Tamworth, Wealdstone, Woking, Worthing (National League South champions), Yeovil Town

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