Ahead of a 330-mile journey home, the 15 Gateshead fans at Torquay United were about to leave Plainmoor happy last night.
That was until centre-back Sean McGinty slammed in a 90th minute equaliser to rescue the relegation battling hosts a point after Jordan Preston’s first-half goal put the visitors ahead.
Torquay announced the away following as 15 although a picture posted by the Gateshead Twitter account showed there to be at least 20.
There are at least 20 Heed fans in the away end at Torquay tonight. Simply unbelievable, thank you so much for your fantastic support. We’ll do our best to get the three points for you!???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/RV3cvTSagf
— Gateshead FC (@GatesheadFC) December 12, 2017
The National League fixture was originally going to be played on December 23 but had been rescheduled at the request of Gateshead.
Heed boss Steve Watson, who returned back in Newcastle with his players at 6am on Wednesday morning, hailed their loyal supporters, saying: “I’m heartbroken for the fans. “To get into double figures on a Tuesday night in December at Torquay is absolutely amazing.”
The Heed players go over to applaud the travelling supporters at Torquay. Fantastic effort and a safe journey home. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/JNilxECLXY
— Gateshead FC (@GatesheadFC) December 12, 2017
Finally back home ???? pic.twitter.com/lEyKaWrEN7
— Gateshead FC (@GatesheadFC) December 13, 2017