GATESHEAD ended a 60-year wait for a place in the third round of the FA Cup as they became the second non-league team from the North-East to book their place in this evening’s draw.

Matty Pattison’s eighth-minute volley and a stoppage-time strike from Danny Wright enabled Gateshead to claim a 2-0 second-round win over Warrington Town, and emulate Blyth Spartans, who reached round three when they beat Hartlepool United on Friday night.

Both non-league sides will be hoping to be paired with a Premier League club in this evening’s third-round draw, with Gateshead boss Gary Mills admitting his side had been forced to dig deep to see off Warrington, who play in the same Evo-Stick First Division North as Darlington.

“We’ve worked very hard for this, and it’s a magical moment,” said Mills. “It’s 60 years where this club has not been in the third round, so we’re delighted to be in that hat.

“They made it difficult, and we had to change the way we play a little bit. We had to turn it into a bit of a game that we don’t like to play and don’t really want to do, but sometimes that’s what you have to do to win games.”

Gateshead were the dominant side throughout at the International Stadium, but despite taking the lead in the eighth minute, it was stoppage time before Danny Wright’s goal enabled the Tynesiders to finally put the game beyond their spirited opponents.

Warrington, who saw off League Two Exeter City in the first round, had refused to complete the game when they last appeared in the North-East to face Darlington at the start of the season, but there was no such hesitancy on display yesterday as Shaun Reid’s side battled gamely despite their early concession.

Just eight minutes had gone when Rob Ramshaw broke down the right, and after he cut the ball back for Pattison, the striker guided home a first-time volley from the edge of the six-yard box.

Gateshead dominated the first half and should really have added to their lead, only for John Oster to see his goalbound effort blocked by a defender before Pattison side-footed wide after Alex Rodman exploited more space down the Warrington left.

Pattison came within inches of doubling Gateshead’s lead when he headed JJ O’Donnell’s left-wing cross against the post, and Wright struck the same upright as he lobbed Warrington goalkeeper Karl Wills with three minutes left.

However, there was no let off for Wills as he erred in stoppage time. The keeper fluffed his attempted clearance as Warrington frantically pushed for an equaliser, and Wright tapped the ball into the empty net.

“I’ve got to be proud of my players,” said Warrington boss Reid. “They’ve given me everything and I think 2-0 was a bit harsh, but we were playing against a very good side.”

Gateshead (4-1-4-1): Bartlett; Baxter, Curtis, Clark, Allan (O’Donnell 57); Chandler; Ramshaw, Turnbull, Oster (Wright 76), Rodman; Pattison.

Subs (not used): Wilson (gk), Jones, Shaw, Guy, Rankine.

Warrington (4-5-1): Wills; McCarten, Robinson, Hardwick (Foster 69), Field; Mannix, Burke, Corrigan, Doughty (Colbeck 58), Metcalfe; Gaskell (Ruane 76).

Subs (not used): Johnson (gk), Gaghan, Davies, Booth.