In the midst of such an exciting FA Cup run, AFC Telford’s re-emergence as Blue Square North title contenders has almost gone unnoticed. 

Less than two months back, they were some 10 points off the blistering pace that was set by early front-runners Southport. 

•  See also: Telford v Gateshead in pictures

Now, after extending their unbeaten run to 15 games thanks to James Meredith’s first goal for the club, they are right back in it. 

They now lie six points adrift of Tamworth, who have taken over at the top, but – with a game in hand – could find themselves breathing down the necks of the Warwickshire side by Christmas. 

Boss Rob Smith has always insisted the league was his No 1 priority this season, but he admitted he had to work hard to make sure his players kept their eyes on the prize in this one. 

With their big FA Cup replay at Southend looming large tomorrow evening, it was understandable that a few minds might have wandered ahead. 

The evidence of the last week was enough of a warning of what could have happened on Saturday. 

Blyth Spartans, conquerors of Shrewsbury in the Cup, then fell at Harrogate in the league in midweek, while Droylsden – so determined in taking Darlington to a replay – followed up by losing to lowly Solihull Moors. 

Telford could easily have gone the same way against a Gateshead side who are more than useful. 

So many teams have come to the New Bucks Head this season and thrown men behind the ball, happy to settle for a draw if possible. Not the Tynesiders. 

Their intentions were clear from the outset, and they had enough in their armoury going forward to cause Telford problems. 

Craig Nelthorpe was a livewire on the wing, while the front two of Graeme Armstrong and Lee Novak have been in prolific form. 

Nine goals in the last two league games was a record that had to be taken seriously, and that the Bucks came away with another clean sheet was testament to the fine performance of the back four. 

This was a victory built on the foundation of a solid defence, with Stuart Whitehead and Gavin Cowan both superb at the heart of it. 

Armstrong might have notched after just seven minutes when played through one-on-one with keeper Ryan Young, but fired over as the big No 1 came out to narrow the angle. 

That apart, though, Gateshead rarely threatened the goal despite plenty of forays forward. 

And, with that solid base at the back, it was Telford who always looked the more dangerous of the two sides. 

They had to be patient, as chances were few and far between in the first half, but they improved after the break following a lecture from Smith, who told them in no uncertain terms to forget about Southend and focus on the job in-hand. 

One man who had no choice but to do that was Danny Carey-Bertram, the striker being cup-tied in any case. 

And it was he who looked the most likely to unlock the Gateshead defence. 

He had a penalty appeal rejected after a tussle with James Curtis and was later denied by a superb tackle from the same player before playing a part in the goal when it finally did come. 

His header was blocked on the line by full-back Craig Baxter but Meredith was quickest to react and stabbed in the loose ball. 

Credit to Gateshead’s manager Ian Bogie, who refused to throw in the towel and instead beefed up his attack with some bold substitutions. 

But the Bucks held firm to extend their unbeaten home record still further. 

Telford’s form is clearly having an impact on attendances, too. 

A crowd of more than 2,000 was very impressive indeed, especially as this was a fourth consecutive home game at a time when many people are having to tighten the purse-strings. 

More performances like this should ensure they keep coming back for more. 

By Chris Hudson