Buxton produced a spirited performance at the International Stadium and managed to keep the score level going into the break. But Gateshead came back stronger and took the lead just four minutes into the second half.

The home side had the best of the opening play but it was Buxton who created the first real opportunity. Mark Lees unleashed a fierce long range shot with just six minutes gone but the ball just skimmed the top of the bar.

Gateshead were awarded a corner on nine minutes but a good ball in was swiftly cleared by Buxton's defence, who were strong throughout.
Tommy Agus was booked for an accidental handball 20 minutes into the game, when Gateshead were awarded a free kick, David Southern curling the ball into the area well.

The home side's best chance of the first half came on 38 minutes when David Southern found himself in a good position at close range but his shot was deflected out for a corner.

After the restart, Paul Walker and James Turley arrived for Tommy Agus and Tony Lennon respectively as Buxton tried to find a way through Gateshead's defence.

But the home side were firing on all cylinders and it took them just four minutes to take the lead. Kris Gate ran past two Buxton defenders and beat keeper Scott Hartley to make it 1-0 to Gateshead on 49 minutes.

From then on, the visitors had an uphill struggle to try to pull things level as Gateshead continued to show the form that powered them into the play offs with seven wins and a draw from their last eight games.

Philip Turnbull forced an excellent diving save from Scott Hartley just after the hour mark before Jason Bradley managed to find space for Buxton but couldn't create an opening.

James Turley then caused Gateshead's keeper Paul Musselwhite some concern with a decent shot on 67 minutes before the ball was knocked out for a corner. Mark Lees went for the header and Buxton were then denied what seemed a clear penalty after a handball in the area.

Gateshead were quick on the counter attack and a good opportunity for Philip Cave was denied only when he was dispossessed by Scott Maxfield in the danger area.

The game was killed off in the 79th minute when Paul Brayson netted after Buxton were caught on the break.

David Southern could have made it 3-0 a couple of minutes later when he turned and fired from close range but Scott Hartley did well to dispel the danger.

With four minutes to go, Gateshead's Wayne Phillips saw his close range shot denied by Hartley before James Turley's effort at the other end went wide in injury time.

The final whistle brought promotion for Gateshead and disappointment for Buxton, who, despite the scoreline, produced a performance to be proud of in front of a good number of vocal, travelling fans.

Buxton: Hartley, Black, Maxfield, Bowker, Anderson, Foster (Bradley 59), Lennon (Turley 45), Towey, Ross, Lees, Agus (Walker 45).
Attendance: 1402.