GATESHEAD strengthened their play-off hopes as they claimed a 3-1 win over fellow National League promotion hopefuls Forest Green Rovers.

Wes York set up Danny Johnson to break the deadlock midway through the first half, and while Jake Gosling hit the post for Forest Green moments later, Johnson claimed his 14th goal of the season with a long-range strike to ensure Gateshead enjoyed a two-goal advantage at the break.

Kaiyne Woolery pulled a goal back for Forest Green at the start of the second half, but York claimed a third Heed goal with a sensational first-time volley after a corner was cleared into his path.

“It was definitely a good day at the office,” said York. “We really owed (Forest Green) one after what happened at their place earlier in the season when they got a lucky goal in the last minute.

“We got what we deserved and everybody played well – we had a bit of luck, but we’ve hardly had any luck this season so we were due some. It was good to get on the scoresheet, and more importantly to get the three points.”

The win lifts Gateshead to within four points of the play-off places ahead of tomorrow’s game at struggling York City.

Gateshead: Montgomery, Bolton, G Smith (Brundle 86), M Smith, Hogan, Fyfield, York (Bell 90), Johnson (Beere 67), Burrow, Mafuta, McLaughlin.