Walsall Progress to FA Cup Third Round with Comfortable Win Over Gateshead
Introduction: A Cup Clash of Contrasting Fortunes
Walsall produced a professional display to avoid an FA Cup upset at National League strugglers Gateshead and secure a place in Monday’s third round draw. The FA Cup second round tie, held on Sunday, 7 December 2025, at Gateshead’s International Stadium, pitted League Two leaders Walsall against a National League side desperately seeking cup glory to ease their financial and league struggles. With the magic of the FA Cup offering lower-league teams the chance to dream, this fixture held significant importance for both clubs, though for very different reasons.
Match Details: Walsall’s Controlled Performance
After a very even game, Walsall were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute as the referee pointed to the spot after a challenge by Kenton Richardson on Ryan Finnigan. Penalty taker Daniel Kanu dispatched his spot kick into the left corner to give Walsall the lead. Despite Gateshead’s attempts to press and create chances, the League Two side maintained their composure in difficult conditions.
The lead was doubled within three minutes of the restart as Flint made no mistake with a neat finish after he met a free-kick from Weir. The second goal effectively ended Gateshead’s hopes of a comeback. It ended 0-2 on Tyneside, with Walsall demonstrating their higher league status through disciplined defending and clinical finishing.
The Stakes: Financial Lifeline vs Promotion Ambitions
For Gateshead, this match represented more than just sporting glory. A dismal run of form now consisting of five consecutive defeats has saw Armstrong’s men slide into the National League relegation zone. A shock win at the International Stadium would take the Heed’s cup run earnings up to around the £200,000 mark and would provide a major on and off-field boost for the financially struggling club.
Meanwhile, League Two favourites Walsall are back on the promotion-chasing track, winning three straight matches across all competitions heading into this fixture. Their professional approach ensured they avoided becoming another cup upset statistic.
Conclusion: Walsall March On, Gateshead Face Uncertain Future
Walsall can now add an FA Cup third round appearance to a season that is becoming increasingly exciting with every passing week. The third round draw offers the potential for lucrative ties against Premier League opposition, continuing their impressive campaign across multiple competitions.
For Gateshead, the result marks the end of their cup dreams and a missed opportunity for the financial windfall they desperately needed. With relegation concerns mounting and form continuing to falter, manager Alun Armstrong faces a challenging period ahead as his side must refocus on their league survival battle in the National League.