A year on from defeat at Wembley and having been told they were unable to compete in the play-offs this time around, they defeated Solihull Moors on penalties.
But it was a second spot kick heartache inside a week for Andy Whing’s team after they lost to Bromley, missing out on an EFL place last Sunday.
Dajaune Brown was the hero, firing home the winning penalty kick after scoring the leveller to pull his team back from the brink of extra time defeat.
Mark Beck thought he had done enough to win it, his double tuning things around after Regan Booty put Heed ahead in first half time added on.
But the thrilling final was eventually settled from 12 years, leaving Gateshead celebrating - and Solihull leaving Wembley again devastated.