In August 1930, Gateshead A.F.C. started a new era when 15,545 supporters watched them beat Doncaster Rovers 2–1. In 1931–32 Gateshead missed out on promotion on goal average,[9] finishing runners-up to Lincoln City. With the club's performances in decline thereafter, they finished second-from-bottom in 1936–37 and were forced to seek re-election.