Mike Williamson has this message for Gateshead squad after play-off heartache

Gateshead player-manager Mike Williamson has called on his players to “come back stronger” after their National League North play-off semi-final defeat at Boston United.
Brad Abbott of Boston is fouled during the Vanarama National League North Play-Off Semi-final match between Boston United and Gateshead.Brad Abbott of Boston is fouled during the Vanarama National League North Play-Off Semi-final match between Boston United and Gateshead.
Brad Abbott of Boston is fouled during the Vanarama National League North Play-Off Semi-final match between Boston United and Gateshead.

The reverse ended the Heed’s chances of ending their campaign by securing a return to non-league’s top table just 12 months after being relegated as a punishment for financial irregularities under the club’s former owners.

A season of rebuilding and developing the squad came to an end at York Street on Saturday as Williamson’s side fell to a 5-3 defeat against a strong Pilgrims side.

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All eyes will now turn towards planning for a return to league action in September as the Heed prepare to battle with the likes of Spennymoor Town, York City and newly-relegated AFC Fylde at the top end of the National League North table.

Williamson hailed the efforts of his squad and the club’s directors as he assessed the events of the previous 12 months at the International Stadium and revealed his burning desire to build on the progress made in his first season in management.

“The lads never stopped pushing, they never give up,” explained Williamson.

“We all have to take this on, young and old, learn from it and come back stronger.

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“We are hurting right now, but that’s the nature of the industry and what sets people apart, winners and losers, is how you react.

“That sets you apart and this has been a massive learning curve for us all.

“The group, the togetherness, the team morale has been phenomenal.

“That goes right from the top, from Neil (Pinkerton, chairman), the board of directors, they have been incredible.

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“They have backed us the whole way and it all just adds fuel to the fire of wanting to repay that and build on this season.”

Gateshead looked to be on their way to setting up a play-off final visit to Altrincham next weekend when JJ O’Donnell headed them in front midway through the first half at Boston.

However, a pair of contentious penalty decisions allowed the hosts to take an unexpected lead into half-time.

Williamson was at the heart of the first decision ten minutes before the interval as he appeared to pull out of a challenge on former Heed loanee Jake Wright.

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However, the Pilgrims striker went to ground and referee Robert Massey-Ellis wasted little time in pointing to the spot.

Jordan Thewlis kept his cool from 12 yards to get his side on level-terms and he doubled his tally for the day just before half-time with a second spot-kick.

Once again, there was much confusion and debate on Massey-Ellis’ second penalty award as he pointed to the spot after JJ O’Donnell contested for a loose ball with Jay Rollins on the edge of the Heed area.

Gateshead got themselves back into the game six minutes into the second half as Alex Nicholson fired home the third penalty of the day after he had been upended by Alex Whittle.

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But a fine finish from Rollins and a cross-shot from Wright put the initiative firmly in the hands of the Pilgrims as the game headed towards its final 10 minutes.

Wright doubled his tally for the day with a cool finish and his side held on to progress into the final, despite Elliott Forbes giving the Heed some hope of mounting a comeback with a well-taken header five minutes from time.

Williamson rued the double penalty award by Massey-Ellis but revealed his determination to ensure that his side are ready to move on and improve next season.

“The nature of the defeat is hard to take,” he admitted.

“From minute one we played good football and a refereeing decision has turned the game.

“I thought we were punished severely for it.

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“But now we will go away and evaluate everything at the club.

“How can we be better and improve next season?

“I am very proud and privileged to be in the position I am at the football club.

“There is more to come from this group of players and from the club as a whole.

“We are ready now, from this journey back, to be ready for next season.”