Gateshead defender can't hide disappointment after play-off exit

The former Newcastle United academy full-back was part of the Blyth Spartans side that lost out in a penalty shoot-out at Altrincham in an elimination round tie last season.

And, despite getting his side back on level-terms with a penalty early in the second-half, Nicholson was denied a return meeting with the Robins in this year’s National League North play-off final as Gateshead fell to a 5-3 defeat at Boston United on Saturday.

Nicholson emerged from an emotional away dressing room at York Street to assess the mood amongst the Heed squad – and he revealed his desire to use the disappointment as a platform to challenge at the top end of the table once again next season.

He told The Echo: “Some of us have played in play-offs before and been beaten like this, like me last season, and we know what the experience is like.

“You can’t just sit back and continue to be disappointed.

“At the minute it is, it is pure disappointment in the dressing room, but we have to move on from it.

“It’s not failure until you give up and we will be ready for next season.

“The expectations will be different, but we know the quality that we have in the dressing room and we will be ready for the challenge.

“We now have to use it as a platform to push on and make sure we get the job done next season.

“That is the aim for all of us.”

Nicholson has already committed to extending his stay at Gateshead in to a second season after he agreed a new contract last month.

The former Wales under-19 international made 38 appearances in all competitions during an impressive first year at the International Stadium and he stressed his desire to build on that when his side return to action in September.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed the season, although obviously there is disappointment in the way it ended.

“There are a lot of young lads in the team, but it’s been a great experience for us all, young and old.”