Imps to bring massive

Gateshead midfielder Luke Hannant heads the ball on during the game at Sutton United GATESHEAD’S record attendance for a regular league game at the International Stadium is set to be broken tomorrow.

The Easter Monday televised clash with Vanarama National League champions elect Lincoln City is predicted to attract a 3,000-plus crowd.

Originally designated an all-ticket game, there will crucially now be cash turnstiles available for both home and away fans.

Lincoln’s 2-1 win over Torquay United on Good Friday attracted a bumper 9,000-strong crowd to Sincil Bank.

Two goals in the last five minutes saw the Imps come from behind and go five points clear at the top.

If they defeat Gateshead and title rivals Tranmere Rovers fail to get a victory at relegation-threatened Guiseley the title will be clinched on Tyneside.

Lincoln have sold 1,800 tickets but hundreds more are expected to travel and pay on the day with promotion back to the Football League at stake.

Gateshead hope to have around 1,000 fans in the Tyne and Wear stand, especially with a cash turnstile now available.

Heed chairman Richard Bennett said: “It will be a great occasion and one we are looking forward to.

“It will be tremendous to have such a big gate.

“Attendances have been disappointing this season and, while it is good the game is on TV, we need plenty of home supporters to turn up.

“Lincoln will have a massive following and they will be looking to celebrate - but we want to impress in front of the cameras and our fans.”

Gateshead’s average gate this season is just under 800, only the games against York City and Dagenham and Redbridge attracting four-figure attendances.

The record away following at the International Stadium is 2,455, against Darlington in an FA Trophy semi-final second-leg in 2011.

The biggest away following for a regular league game is 1,004, against