National League October player of the month:
Mike Williamson – Gateshead
When you've played at the top level, stepping down isn't always as straightforward as people will have you think.
But since joining Gateshead earlier this season, former Newcastle United man Mike Williamson has rapidly become an integral part of Steve Watson's side as they continue to defy pre-season odds, currently placed eighth in the National League table.
The Heed won three of their four league fixtures during October – taking all three points against Havant & Waterlooville, Dagenham & Redbridge and Aldershot Town – as well as keeping clean sheets in all three games. They kept another as they eased past Dunston UTS in the FA Cup.
Forging a strong partnership as part of the Gateshead backline, the 34-year-old has helped his side look unbreakable at times as the Heed threaten to gatecrash the top seven.
