Click here for a slideshow of pictures from the Play Off Final between Gateshead and Buxton.

With seven wins and a draw from their last eight games, Gateshead were well in-form and two second half goals sealed their place in the Blue Square North league when the teams met at the International Stadium on Saturday.

Hopes were high for Buxton after their dramatic 6-5 sudden death penalty shoot out victory over Witton Albion in the play-off semi final on Tuesday night but in the end, Gateshead were just too strong.

Manager John Reed said: "I think we gave them a great game but you have to give them credit, they are a fantastic footballing side.

"They just look like a strong league team. You've got to remember they've got a budget three times ours.

"In the second half we had a couple of attempts. At 1-0 (James) Turley got a save off their keeper with an attempt and then we were robbed of a penalty.

"We just have to accept their class. They will do well in the Conference North and could be a force to be reckoned with.

"It's an amazing achievement, to get into the play-offs in our first year."

Reed also paid tribute to the travelling support which saw several hundred Buxton fans make the trip to Gateshead on Saturday.

"I'm so proud of the support," he commented. "It has been absolutely fantastic. It's just been a great day."

Team captain Terry Bowker added: "I'm gutted really. I don't know what to say.

"We've got to give them credit, Gateshead are a great team. I thought they were the better team on the day.

"We've done well to achieve what we've done this year. We got in the play- offs and we'll just have to come back stronger next year."

Assistant manager Clive Freeman also took time to pay tribute to Gateshead, who beat Eastwood 4-0 in the play off semi final last week.

"They just edged it on the day and were just too much for us," he said.

"It's been a great ride for the young lads in the team and hopefully they've learned a lot from it.

"Who would have thought we'd have got to the final? It was a real David and Goliath battle and unfortunately we didn't have enough.

"We gave absolutely everything but it just wasn't enough."

He went on to say: "I have to say I think the step up would have been a little bit too much for us.

"Don't get me wrong, I would love to go up but we would have to change the team and break it up a bit.

"If we can build on it and add three or four new players in the summer, who knows?"

You can order photos from the Unibond Premier Division Play Off Final by calling the Buxton Advertiser office on 01298 767070. Just note down the photo code.