Valentine’s Day brought little love for Gateshead. A 2-1 home defeat to Brackley Town extended their run to 16 consecutive losses in all competitions, leaving relegation looking increasingly inevitable. Their previous league win had come all the way back in September, a 5–2 victory over struggling Morecambe. During that bleak run, Gateshead conceded 42 goals and scored just seven, with supporters bracing themselves for the drop.
Then came the return of Rob Elliott 0and with it, a dramatic shift in fortunes. We take a look at a potential great escape.
5 Nov 2025 – National League• York City 4–0 Gateshead
8 Nov 2025 – National League• Gateshead 0–2 Solihull Moors
15 Nov 2025 – National League• Forest Green Rovers 3–1 Gateshead
22 Nov 2025 – National League• Gateshead 0–3 Boreham Wood
26 Nov 2025 – National League Cup• Gateshead 0–3 Leeds United U21s
29 Nov 2025 – National League• Sutton United 4–2 Gateshead
7 Dec 2025 – FA Cup• Gateshead 0–2 Walsall
13 Dec 2025 – FA Trophy• Gateshead 0–3 Morecambe
21 Dec 2025 – National League• Gateshead 1–3 Eastleigh
26 Dec 2025 – National League• Gateshead 0–3 Carlisle United
30 Dec 2025 – National League• Scunthorpe United 2–0 Gateshead
3 Jan 2026 – National League• Tamworth 3–1 Gateshead
17 Jan 2026 – National League• Gateshead 0–2 Rochdale
20 Jan 2026 – National League• Hartlepool United 2–1 Gateshead
10 Feb 2026 – National League• Boston United 1–0 Gateshead
14 Feb 2026 – National League• Gateshead 1–2 Brackley Town
Elliott’s second spell did not begin smoothly, with defeats in his first five matches. But since the Brackley loss, Gateshead’s revival has been striking.
17 Feb – National League• Halifax Town 1–2 Gateshead
21 Feb – National League• Truro City 1–2 Gateshead
25 Feb – National League• Gateshead 4–4 Morecambe
28 Feb – National League• Gateshead 0–2 Forest Green Rovers
4 Mar – National League• Gateshead 1–0 Braintree Town
7 Mar – National League• Solihull Moors 1–2 Gateshead
10 Mar – National League• Southend United 1–1 Gateshead
21 Mar – National League• Boreham Wood 3–0 Gateshead
24 Mar – National League• Gateshead 3–1 York City
28 Mar – National League• Gateshead 2–1 Yeovil Town
Elliott has breathed life into a side that looked drained of belief. Prior to his return, Gateshead had won just one of their first 12 home league matches. Under his leadership, they have claimed four home wins from nine, including an impressive 3–1 victory over title-chasing York City.
Across their last 12 matches, Gateshead have lost only twice, with defeats coming against Forest Green Rovers (6th) and Boreham Wood (4th). With five games remaining, they sit five points clear of Brackley, who are without a win in 11 matches, leaving survival firmly within reach.
The 28-year-old arrived in the summer fresh from winning the National League title with Barnet and brought experience from clubs including Sheffield United, Bradford City and Blackburn Rovers. Chapman has scored four goals in 592 minutes, offering versatility across the front line and a calming influence in key moments.
Signed in January from Solihull Moors, Nicholson has added much-needed steel at the back. The 27-year-old previously played a major role in Boston United’s survival and Scunthorpe United’s promotion from National League North. His physical presence and consistency have earned him a regular place in the side.
Another January arrival, Ward joined from Altrincham after scoring 13 goals across two seasons with Boston United. Now a key figure in midfield, he has registered four goals and five assists in 16 appearances, regularly arriving late in the box and driving Gateshead forward.
Brackley still face difficult fixtures against play-off contenders Forest Green Rovers, Scunthorpe United and Carlisle United, making it difficult for them to close the gap. With safety close to being secured, Gateshead can begin planning for next season -this time with optimism rather than resignation.
Users must be 18+. If you are having trouble with gambling then help and advice can be found at begambleaware.org. Please Play Responsibly.
