Gateshead Preview

It’s back to league action this weekend as Gateshead make the long journey south to play Stevenage in a fixture which was last played in 1998 with the ‘Tynesiders’ winning the game 2-1 at the International Stadium. Boro though won the reverse fixture earlier that season 6-1, so I doubt the Gateshead fans have that fond of memories of Hertfordshire. The 1997/1998 campaign stands out as the season where Boro held the then ’mighty’ Newcastle United in the FA Cup. Funnily enough a FA Trophy fixture was played against Gateshead between them two ties against Newcastle and nearly 12 years later Gateshead are the opposition again between the two games against Port Vale as Boro try to complete another FA Cup giantkilling next Tuesday night.

Last time out in the Blue Square Premier, Graham Westley’s side picked up a useful point away at Kettering, although they were unlucky not to take all 3 points after a good performance at Rockingham Road. Last weekend’s performance against Port Vale was arguably Boro’s best since the very finest days of the Mark Stimson era. Stevenage knocked the ball about well and played Vale off the park for the majority of the game. However, missed chances cost Boro and they had to settle for a replay back at Broadhall Way. Boro are in form and cockyness confidence is high at the moment.

Gateshead have had a tough start back in the top flight of non-league football. They currently sit in 20th place in the BSP table, but have improved in recent weeks. Ian Bogie’s side have won 2 of their last 3 BSP games and held League 1 Brentford in the FA Cup a week ago. It’s not going to be an easy game. The ‘Tynesiders’ have also been given a boost this week as in form forward Peter Winn has signed an extension to his loan deal while Blackburn midfielder Andy Howarth has also joined the club on loan.

Lee Boylan could feature in the Boro line up after he returned to training this week after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The team has missed his clinical touch in front of goal against both Kettering and Port Vale so his return could be the news GW wanted before the Cup replay on Tuesday night against Port Vale. Darren Murphy could also be back in contention, but will have a lot of work to do if he is to take either Bostwick or Bridges’ place in the current team. Both were superb at Vale Park last weekend. Scott Laird is a doubt after he hobbled off in the second half against Vale. If Laird recovers in time then I would go with the same team again.

On paper it should be a home win, but it’s one of those tricky fixtures that Boro haven’t been too good at getting all the points from so far this season. Games against Grays and Altrincham come to mind, but if we play anywhere near like we played last weekend then we should see a comfortable victory. Gateshead’s away form is pretty poor with just the two wins this season, but they did beat an in form Salisbury side in their last league game. Although I think Gateshead are getting into their stride I think we’ll be too strong for them and will win the game.

Stevenage Squad

Ashley Bayes, Chris Day, Scott Laird, Ronnie Henry, Jon Ashton, Mark Roberts, Mark Albrighton, Eddie Odhiambo, Michael Bostwick, Stacy Long, David Bridges, Darren Murphy, Andy Drury, Joel Byrom, Mitchell Cole, Yemi Odubade, Lee Boylan, Charlie Griffin, Chris Beardsley, Peter Vincenti

Prediction: Boro 2-1 Gateshead