Danny Greenfield described the feeling as ‘unbelievable’ after returning from injury on Tuesday.
The midfielder last played in the opening game of the season against Kettering Town in August, and has been fighting to get back fit amidst a number of injury setbacks over the course of the current campaign.
Cedwyn Scott hauled Gateshead level against AFC Telford United on Tuesday night, before Paul Blackett and Macaulay Langstaff fired Gateshead to a third consecutive victory.
“It feels very good,” stated Greenfield.
“The togetherness of this squad is the best I’ve seen, to come back from the early goal says a lot.
“The atmosphere in the changing room is brilliant, but we know that’s not it.
“We believed today and got the win, however we weren’t at our best at all.
“It’s excellent to be top of the league but it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t keep playing like we have done – I think we’ve got many more gears.
“We need to stick to our principles and just look ahead to the second half of the season now.”
The 76th minute marked the return of Greenfield from injury, having been absent since the first day of the campaign.
“It was unbelievable,” he explained.
“All the hard work I put into the gym are for moments like that – it was a brilliant feeling.
“It’s great to be back around a very successful squad, and the fans were outstanding as well.
“The lads are buzzing because of them, they took us through the game today and gave us that extra bit of confidence.
“Personally, the plan is to just get more minutes and sharpness, and help the team going into the latter parts of the season.”
Mike Williamson’s outfit host Leamington next at The International Stadium on Saturday afternoon, another side which Greenfield believes The Heed can’t underestimate.
“Their league position means nothing,” added the midfielder.
“They’re a great side and have already beaten us this season so we’re looking to get one over on them.
“Like I’ve said previously, if we’re at our levels and intensity then we can beat any team in this league.”
