Match Report: Jack McGraghan

Gateshead secured a Vanarama National League play-off place for the first time since 2014 with a 2-1 win over champions Chesterfield at Gateshead International Stadium.

Luke Hannant struck twice from the penalty spot to give The Heed a two-goal advantage at the break, though Louis Storey’s own goal – enforced by Joe Quigley – did make the closing stages somewhat nervy.

Rob Elliot’s survived large spells out of possession to hold on for a crucial three points in their third game in five days, sealing a spot in the top seven and a place in next week’s play-offs.

Elliot named six changes to the starting 11 following Saturday’s late defeat at Maidenhead as his side’s end of season onslaught of fixtures continued, while Kenton Richardson and Hannant started their third game inside five days.

Chesterfield came close to breaking the deadlock inside the opening five minutes through Armando Dobra’s close-range side-footer, only for Nathan Harness to block in what proved to be a crucial save.

The opener arrived with 12 minutes on the clock when Dajaune Brown was felled by Harry Tyrer on the edge of the six-yard box, allowing Hannant to step up and convert from the penalty spot for the second time as many games.

The league champions unsurprisingly remained a threat at the other end though and were denied an equaliser by a last-ditch block from Louis Storey after Robbie Tinkler had been dispossessed.

The evening swung even more so in Gateshead’s favour just after the half-hour mark when Brown was again judged to have been brought down by Tyrer in the penalty area, with Hannant converting in the same spot from 12 yards despite the Spireites’ stopper’s slight touch.

Greg Olley had the chance to make it three seven minutes before the interval when he curled inches wide from 20 yards, before turning provider after the break to cross for Storey to send wide at the back post.

Storey would be the unfortunate one to have his name on the wrong side of the scoresheet with an hour gone when he helped Liam Mandeville’s cross over the line with Quigley lurking just behind him, setting up a tense finish on Tyneside.

Brown combined with substitute Callum Whelan, who saw his shot blocked from close range by last-ditch Chesterfield defending, while at the other end Dobra volleyed over as the visitors tried to avoid a fourth straight defeat since lifting the league title.

Their efforts would be to no avail though as Gateshead held out for a pivotal three points, sealing their National League play-off place for the first time in 10 years as a result.

Gateshead: Harness, Storey, Richardson, Tinkler, Hannant (Grayson, 69’), Adom (Worman, 66’), Francis, Booty, Olley (Whelan, 76’), Evans, Brown.

Substitutes: Allan, Dinanga.

Goals: Hannant (12’, pen, 32’, pen)

Yellow Cards: Harness (68’), Richardson (90+2’)

Chesterfield: Tyrer, Sheckleford (Jacobs, 86’), Williams, Grimes, Clements, Jones, Naylor, Mandeville, Hobson (Curtis, 90’), Dobra, Quigley (Colclough, 77’). 

Substitutes: Freckleton, Banks. 

Goals: Storey (OG) (60’)

Yellow Cards: Tyrer (31’), Naylor (51’), Sheckleford (58’)

Attendance: 879 (155 away)