Gateshead and AFC Telford reunited with stakes high

But Young believes the stakes could be even higher than they were that historic night when the Heed visit the New Bucks Head tonight.

On the former occasion, Wayne Phillips' late free-kick won a close encounter for the hosts at the International Stadium in Gateshead and Lee Vaughan, now of Kidderminster, was sent off for Telford during a game to forget for the Bucks.

That result clinched promotion to the Blue Square Premier for Ian Bogie's team, but the outcome of tonight's match could have even greater consequences come April 20.

The Bucks go into the match rock bottom of the league, nine points adrift of safety and on the back of a 23-match winless run in the league.

Failure to win again would drag Telford even closer to the relegation trap door.

But Gateshead also remain within touching distance of the drop zone and defeat for them could drag the visitors perilously close to the relegation places.

Young said: "It is a 'cup final' for us. It's an even bigger game for us than that play-off final because we need to try and keep our place in the league. We need to do everybody proud."

Victory for the Bucks would certainly provide a huge lift following two days of rapid change which have seen the departure of the Bucks' third manager in less than six weeks.

Caretaker manager Graham Hyde resigned on Sunday night, in the aftermath of Telford's abject 2-0 defeat to Macclesfield Town.

First-team mainstays Jake Reid and Jordan Rose also departed the following day, sent out on loan to Welling and Alfreton.

And striker James Spray was recalled from his loan to Stourbridge, while former Bucks striker Alex Meechan arrived as new assistant manager.

Young, now in his sixth season at the New Bucks Head has been one of two senior players recruited into Telford's new management team in the aftermath.

Along with midfielder Phil Trainer, he will help out new Bucks boss Jon Psaras and Meechan. It has been a difficult time for the fiercely-loyal shotstopper, who admitted the club's recent hardships have been painful to see.

But he is refusing to dwell on the negatives ahead of the game, saying: "I found out Graham had gone on Sunday. I don't know the ins and outs of why he's gone. But it's just another setback and we have to get on with it.

"I have been thoroughly enjoying my new role in the management team, though, and we have been trying to make it not stressful, no pressure, in training.

"We just want the team to go out and enjoy the game. It hasn't been enjoyable going 23 games without a win but football is an enjoyable game."

Should the Bucks get a desperately, desperately-needed three points this evening, it will definitely be that.