Notts County rescued a point in the dying stages as Aaron Nemane's cross was turned in by Louis Storey, in what was another disappointing display on the road.
After a poor first half display, it took the hosts just 13 seconds to open the scoring with Kyle Cameron's loose back pass latched on to by Tom Allan, who curled the ball beyond the grasp of Sam Slocombe.
But Nemane's driving run was rewarded two minutes from time when his deflected cross hit the unfortunate Storey to give the Magpies an almost undeserved point in the North East.
READ MORE: Notts County team news vs Gateshead as Luke Williams makes defensive decision
Notts started the game by making three changes, with Aden Baldwin missing out after injuring his Achilles tendon against Boreham Wood, with Geraldo Bajrami taking his place. Aaron Nemane and Matty Palmer also came in, replacing Joel Taylor and Sam Austin.
The opening exchanges consisted of overhit balls and misplaced passes, but Notts had the first chance of the game, with former Gateshead man Langstaff winning a dangerous free-kick, only for Ed Francis to place straight at James Montgomery.
But for all of Notts' possession, they almost found themselves a goal down when sloppy play from Francis allowed Adam Campbell through on goal, only to be met by the chest of Slocombe to deny him.
And while Notts finished the stronger side going into half-time, they found themselves 1-0 after just 13 seconds. Cameron's under hit back pass was latched on to by Allan, who curled the ball beyond Slocombe.
The goal seemed to deflate Notts and despite enjoying the majority of the possession, were wasteful with it, with Gateshead content with sitting back and playing on the counter attack.
But two minutes from time, Nemane drove at the Gateshead defence and picked out a dangerous ball across the area, with Storey steering the ball beyond the helpless Montgomery and into the net.
And the Magpies almost won it deep into stoppage time when Kairo Mitchell turned the ball goal bound but hit the side netting, which initially sent the travelling 598 Notts fans into delirium which was short-lived.
A much improved performance will be needed this Saturday, with visitors Chesterfield beating fellow play-off rivals Wrexham.
Here is how we rated the players against Gateshead this evening:
Sam Slocombe - 6
Produced an excellent save at 0-0 to deny Campbell. Distribution was much improved and was keen to play out from the back, rather than going long. Could do nothing about the Gateshead opener.
Kyle Cameron - 6
Was surprisingly public enemy number one after going down under several challenges, but all of those were fouls. Gave the ball away one too many times and was at fault for the Gateshead opener with his back pass.
Geraldo Bajrami - 6
Looked extremely comfortable at centre-back, and was keen to drive forward with the ball to push Notts up the pitch.
Richard Brindley - 6
Was keen to get forward and help Nemane down the right-hand side. Was solid defensively and rarely lost a duel with the Gateshead attackers.
Adam Chicksen - 5
His delivery all evening was consistently poor, failing to beat the first man on a number of occasions. Looked uncomfortable all evening and was a stark contrast from his performance against Boreham Wood.
Aaron Nemane - 7
When driving at the Gateshead defence, he caused them real problems, but he just didn't do it enough in the first half. Trusted himself in the second period and drove forward at every occasion, getting an assist for Notts' equaliser.
Ed Francis - 6
Composed in midfield as usual, but was almost caught out early in the first half after taking too long on the ball. Set piece deliveries were off the mark, with the majority easily gathered by Montgomery.
Matty Palmer - 6
Showed glimpses of his technical ability, and ran his socks off in the middle of the park.
Jim O'Brien - 6
Was keen to get stuck in and try and rally the players around him. Played some neat passes in that more advanced role and wouldn't be surprised to see him playing in the number ten going forward.
Ruben Rodrigues - 6
Was uncharacteristically quiet throughout, but showed glimpses of quality with his driving runs and neat touches. Needed more from him.
Macauley Langstaff - 6
Had a number of half chances throughout the game but was unable to score against his former side. Was getting in good positions, his team-mates just could not find him.
SUBS:
Kairo Mitchell - 6
Failed to make an impact during the time he was on. Had one real effort that sailed over the bar.
Cedwyn Scott - 6
Similar to Mitchell. Failed to make an impact on his return to the North East.
Frank Vincent - N/A
Late midfield change for the Magpies.
