A tense match at the Gateshead International Stadium ended in a 0-0 draw between the home side and Southend United, a result that extinguished Gateshead’s hopes of reaching the National League play-offs. Southend, however, secured their place in the play-off quarter-finals.
The match commenced with both teams displaying a cautious approach, aware of what was at stake. Gateshead, requiring a victory to move into a play-off position, pressed forward with purpose, but Southend’s defence remained steadfast. The first half consisted largely of midfield battles, with neither side able to establish a prolonged period of control.
During the second half, a series of tactical changes unfolded. Gateshead manager Carl Magnay introduced Frank Nouble, Branden Horton, and Charlie Colkett in the 71st minute, aiming to inject fresh energy into his team’s attack. Southend responded with substitutions of their own, bringing on Macauley Bonne and Josh Walker in the 69th minute, looking to disrupt Gateshead’s momentum.
As time wore on, the tension intensified. Kenton Richardson of Gateshead received a yellow card in the 59th minute for a foul, underscoring the increasingly physical nature of the contest. Southend manager Kevin Maher was also shown a yellow card in the 81st minute for dissent. Ryan Bartley then received a yellow card for Gateshead in the 83rd minute.
Further substitutions followed as both managers sought a late winning goal. Gateshead replaced Bartley with Tyrell Sellars-Fleming in the 86th minute, while Southend brought on Cavanagh Miley for Oliver Coker in the 80th minute and Leon Chambers-Parillon for Jack Bridge in the 88th minute. Gateshead’s final substitution saw Jamie Bramwell replace Richardson in the 89th minute.
Despite the late substitutions and growing urgency, neither side could find the decisive goal. The match finished in a stalemate, a result that left the Gateshead supporters disappointed.
The draw confirms that Gateshead finish just outside the play-off positions. Southend United, with the point gained, are guaranteed a place in the play-off quarter-finals.