Gateshead FC 'truly deserve' Wembley final - manager

Playing a final at Wembley is the least a football team deserve after a problematic season, according to their manager.

Rob Elliot said Gateshead FC would face a tough game when they met Solihull Moors in the FA Trophy final on Saturday, but wanted the season to end on a high.

The match takes place less than a month after Gateshead's play-off spot for the National League was taken away as they did not meet the criteria for promotion.

"It's just nice to finish the season on a positive occasion in terms of on the pitch," said Elliot.

Gateshead are hoping to take home the trophy after losing out in the final last year.

The Heed suffered a 1-0 defeat at Wembley to Halifax Town, who won the title for the second time.

This season, Gateshead managed to beat Solihull in November with 2-1 result.

But the last time they met in March, Solihull beat Gateshead 3-2.

"We've had good games against them this season, so I just want the lads to do themselves justice and go and enjoy themselves and enjoy the occasion," said Elliot.

"I want to leave on a positive footballing note for the summer before we come back again next season."

He added the players wanted to "go higher, ideally with the club" after being denied their shot at joining the National League.

"It wasn't obviously to be, but I think they will just look at the final as a way of finishing the season on another high," Elliot said.

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