Stafford Rangers extended their impressive FA Cup run with a hard-fought draw against Gateshead on Saturday, setting up a decisive replay at home on Tuesday. The National League North side secured a 1-1 result against Gateshead, who currently sit at the bottom of the National League and have struggled for form throughout the season.

Gateshead, without a manager and enduring a difficult campaign, had recently ended a streak of eight consecutive defeats but have managed only one win in 17 league matches. They have lost all seven of their away games this season, including several heavy defeats, which bolsters Stafford’s confidence heading into the replay.

Stafford Rangers manager Graham Deakin expressed a measure of frustration after the match, noting that his team created numerous chances and deserved to win the game outright. "If I’m honest I’m a little bit disappointed we haven’t won the game on the chances we created," Deakin said. "We were the better side, but we’ll just use that as fuel to get the job done on Tuesday."

The result was all the more notable given that Stafford Rangers play three levels below Gateshead, who compete in the National League. Nevertheless, Stafford combined commitment and quality in their performance, recovering well after conceding the opening goal. Players Harry Chapman and Michael Spellman were both involved in promising attacking moves during the match.

With the replay set to take place at Stafford’s home ground, the NPL West title contenders will be hopeful of completing the upset and advancing further in the prestigious knockout competition.