More than 1,000 AFC Telford United fans were left devastated last night after the team failed to secure promotion to the top tier of non-league football after a defeat at Gateshead.

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Men, women and children, some who had been supporters of Telford United all their lives, turned out in force.

Some had T-shirts bearing the slogan “Blue Square Premiere Final Play Off – Telford United on Tour”.

But the long journey was to end in disappointment when a goal eight minutes from time sealed victory for the home side.

The final whistle sparked a minor altercation between a fan a steward at the pitch-side.

A police spokesman said: “It was a minor altercation. The incident was quelled and no-one arrested or hurt.”

Speaking after the game, fans said they were “gutted”.

Steve Thompson, 44, from Telford, has supported Telford for 10 years. He said: “It was a nervous game for everyone, but they didn’t play badly.”

Pressure

Ashley Dawes, 48, also from Telford added: “I think they played well. They went down to 10 men and they really struggled after that.

“I have supported them for nearly 30 years and there was a lot of pressure on them today. But they played well, better than I thought they would.”

Matt Hayes, from near Ludlow, has only been supporting Telford for about three years but said he felt “dejected” after the result.

He said he thought the team played better in the first half.

“They lost their way in the second half,” he said. “It was important to me that they went up a league but you have to put it into perspective, where they have come from and what they have achieved.

“They have played a lot of games this season and it has probably taken its toll on them,” he added.

June Jones, from Muxton, has been a supporter of Telford for nearly 40 years.

She said: “It was an unlucky game for them and we defended the goal poorly, but we will keep our heads up for next year.”

Simon Barnes, 27, from Wellington, said he was disappointed the team did not score.

He said: “We had the ball down our end for much of the game. The penalty goal that went in was horrible. It was just in slow motion.

“I really thought we were going to win and I am so disappointed we didn’t, but I am still really proud of them.”

Rob Palin, from Telford, who runs the away travel for the team, said: “We have come a long way in five years since we went bust.

“Everyone can be massively proud. All the fans will be back next season, but next year they will be champions.”

The Telford players received a standing ovation from their loyal fans at the end of the match.

By Catherine Roche at Gateshead