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It is Barnet who stands in the way of Gateshead and a trip to Wembley for the FA Trophy final on May 21, after the semi-final draw took place today. And the Tynesiders will be hoping they can right the wrongs of previous semi-final losses in the competition as they attempt to reach the famed stadium for the second time in their history.

The Heed have had success in the FA Trophy of late, having twice reached the semi-final stage before this season. After winning against local rivals Blyth Spartans in the quarter-final in the 2010/11 season, they then lost a two-legged semi-final to Darlington, blowing a 2-0 half-time lead at Darlington Arena in a 3 -2. loss, and then only managed a 0-0 draw in the second leg, meaning they were out of the competition.

And in 2017/18 the Heed fell again in the quarterfinals. This time, a 3–2 defeat at Bromley in the first leg gave Gateshead work at the International Stadium. However, they could only manage a 1-1 draw at home, with the Kent side advancing to Wembley.

But a penalty shootout victory over National League North side Farsley Celtic on Saturday in the quarter-final means Gateshead are now potentially just 90 minutes away from a trip to the famous goal. His last appearance at Wembley was a 2-1 loss to Cambridge United in the National League playoff final back in May 2014.

Gateshead fan Callum Pattison gave his thoughts on Saturday’s performance and memories of the tournament. He said: “We were bad on Saturday but half the team is injured, cup-tied or on loan, so it was great to go through anyway.

“I still have nightmares from the 2015/16 quarter-final against Halifax when we were 2-1 up in stoppage time, and then 3-3 after extra time and lost on penalties. We had beaten them all game and they continued to win everything. I hope the same thing doesn’t happen this time.”

Barnet are currently in the playoff positions in the National League, having entered the semi-finals after a penalty shootout win over Maidstone United. Despite the 15-place difference between the teams in the league, neither team have earned bragging rights this season, with a 2-2 draw at Gateshead followed by a 1-1 draw at Hive most recently.

Gateshead is expecting a huge crowd for the decider tie against the Bees, and with a spot in the Wembley final on the line. If Gateshead get past Barnet, they will face winners Altrincham FC and FC Halifax Town at Wembley on May 21.