'I can’t explain the feeling' - Middlesbrough goalkeeper reflects on Gateshead heroics

Gateshead players celebrate with their goalkeeper Bradley James after he saves the last penalty in a penalty shootout to win the Vanarama National League North Play-Off match between Brackley Town and Gateshead.

The Heed came through a tough test at former FA Trophy winners Brackley Town after James saved three spot-kicks to set up next weekend’s trip to Boston United.

The on-loan Boro stopper had already denied Glenn Walker and Llorell Smith by the time Ellis Myles stepped up with Gateshead leading 6-5 in the shoot-out.

James produced a stunning stop to set out wild celebrations from his team-mates as their dream of securing an immediate return to the top tier of non-league football remained alive.

And the young stopper believes that he was destined to produce the save that extended his loan spell on Tyneside into a further week.

He told The Echo: “I can’t explain the feeling, save that last penalty and seeing the lads running towards me.

“Knowing we had won the tie, and that I had done that, it was unbelievable.

“It’s weird because I felt that I had to save the pen, it felt like it was scripted.

“I’m just buzzing that I did.

“We now have to focus on Saturday at Boston, because today will mean nothing if we don’t get a win there.”

James offered an honest assessment of the goal that he conceded as the two sides battled their way to a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes.

Less than 60 seconds after Jake Cooper had headed Gateshead in front, Brackley midfielder Shane Byrne produced a stunning effort from inside the centre circle.

James insisted that he had to “make amends” for switching off.

He explained: “It was a great strike to be fair – but I have to take full responsibility for that.

“I switched off for half a second and it was in the back of the net.

“But if there is a way to make amends, that’s the way to do it.”

Gateshead will travel to Boston United in the play-off semi-final next Saturday and the winners will face a trip to either York City or Altrincham for the right to gain promotion into the National League.

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