Halifax Town will face new opposition in the Conference play-offs after an afternoon of confusion saw Gateshead thrown out of the competitoon.

The Shaymen qualified for the play-offs in seventh place on the final day, when a 3-0 win at Eastleigh set up an eliminator at Altrincham.

But on Sunday it emerged that Gateshead's International Stadium – a council-owned athletics venue in the town – does not meet the criteria for promotion to the Football League.

It was announced that the Tynesiders would be thrown out and their scheduled opponents, Solihull Moors, would be given a bye directly into next week’s clash against Barnet.

NOT UP TO SCRATCH: Gateshead International Stadium

But in no time at all, the authorities U-turned and announced Solhill will host Halifax on Wednesday for the right to play Barnet in the semi-finals.

Bromley will play Altrincham in the other semi-final.

Clubs were given until March 1 to meet the criteria and the Tynesiders were the only play-off qualifiers not to.

What Gateshead FC's expulsion from National League play-offs will mean for FC Halifax Town after day of confusion

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