
Jacob Chapman feels Saturday’s win while not at their best is a good sign for Gateshead.
Junior English cancelled out Adam Campbell’s opener, but a Macauley Langstaff second half brace saw The Heed secure a 3-1 victory.
“It was a bit of an interesting one,” assessed the shot-stopper.
“I don’t think we were at our best by any means, but we still got the win which is a good sign.
“We showed enough quality to get the result, but as the coaches said after full time, we were far from what we’re capable of.
“At the end of the day, good teams win when they’re not performing at their best, and that’s all that matters.
“We had to show a lot of character after they scored so early in the second half – it was probably the worst time to concede.
“We had to bounce back, and we did so credit to all the lads because they were great team goals.”
The Huddersfield Town loanee made a number of crucial saves for the hosts, including a fingertip stop from Kelsey Mooney on the hour when proceedings were level.
“I was happy with most parts of my game,” Chapman revealed.
“I’ll have to watch the goal again – maybe I could’ve parried it into a better area, I’ll be the first to say that.
“I was pleased to make an important save at 1-1, and we went on to win the game so I’m happy with that.
“There are always things to work on, so I’ll just keep me head down and carry on working hard.”
The three points keep Mike Williamson’s men at the top of the National League North table, and a draw for second-placed Brackley Town relieves pressure ever so slightly.
However, Chapman insists Gateshead must stay focused on themselves going into the second half of the campaign.
“I looked at the table when we went top on Tuesday if I’m honest,” he said.
“It was an achievement, so it was nice to look at it and see Gateshead at the top where we should be.
“I don’t look at it every week though – there’s no point with it being such a long season.
“We have to keep focused on us now, it’s about trying to improve and win every game we can.”
Gateshead now enter a string of eye-catching clashes as promotion contenders York City and Fylde await, before Blyth Spartans travel for a local derby.
“We have to take one at a time,” continued The Heed’s number one.
“York is a tough game – going away to a place like that won’t be easy, but we’re full of confidence.
“We’ve beaten them already and we can beat them again – we’ve had time to reflect on our last game against them.
“We’re such a good footballing team that if we’re imperfect, there are things to improve on to make us perfect.”