AFC Fylde will play in the National League North next season, a division the Coasters were promoted from as champions in the 2016/17 season.
We take a look at next season’s opponents, as Jim Bentley and his side look to secure promotion back to the National League.
Our next team ‘under review’, is Gateshead.
Nickname(s):
The Heed
Ground:
Gateshead International Stadium (Capacity 11,800)
2019/20 League Position:
The season being curtailed on PPG, meant that Gateshead’s play-off place was confirmed. They played against Brackley Town, winning a dramatic penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw in the eliminator round.
That meant they progressed to face Boston United in the semi-final. To say that was a thriller would be an understatement. The Heed lost out in an eight-goal thriller, going down 5-3 but it was a season to remember for the club following previous tough times.
Star Player 19/20:
JJ O’Donnell – The long serving midfielder scored 9 goals in 19-20 as Gateshead’s promotion ambitions were eventually ended in the play-off semi finals by Boston United. He is a fan favourite at the International Stadium after recovering from a rare foot condition which almost forced him into an early retirement in 2015.
Manager(s):
Mike Williamson – The veteran former Newcastle United centre back is player-manager with the Heed after initially signing in 2018 and has made over 70 appearances for the club.
Last Played:
Our last meeting was in April 2019, a terrific strike from Nick Haughton earning the Coasters a 1-0 win in the North East.
Home: AFC Fylde 1-0 Gateshead 30/10/18
Away: Gateshead 0-1 AFC Fylde 09/04/19
You can view the full head-to-head records, by clicking here!
Distance:
The distance from Mill Farm to the Gateshead International Stadium is 142.6 miles via the M6 motorway and would take 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive.
![](https://www.afcfylde.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/33700641868_054045389b_o-1024x681.jpg)