Sunday Sun

Heed’s Hatters clash is testing pals’ loyalties

Spartans left to rue missed chances

- JEFF BOWRON

STEVE Watson shared many good times at Newcastle United during the 1990s with Rob Lee, a friendship that has endured.

This afternoon, on the banks of the Tyne, Watson will attempt to create a piece of history as Gateshead manager, and old pal Lee has more than a passing interest.

The Heed take on League Two leaders Luton Town, the highest scorers in English profession­al football, in the FA Cup.

The 2pm showdown at the Internatio­nal Stadium has a place in the third round of the Cup as the considerab­le carrot for the victors.

Gateshead have reached the third round – when Premier League and Championsh­ip clubs come in – only twice in the last six decades.

Top-flight opposition was drawn on each occasion, Tottenham Hotspur and West Brom, both defeats without finding the net. Spurs triumphed in 1955, the Albion three years ago, but Watson has impressed in his first managerial post back on his native Tyneside.

The 43-year-old would be thrilled to see Gateshead reach the potentiall­y lucrative waters of the third round – but that’s where Lee comes in.

Watson played more than 250 games for Newcastle, Londoner Lee more than 350 in a decade of sterling service for the Magpies.

Former England internatio­nal Lee will return to Tyneside today to cheer on his two sons, Elliot and Olly, who are part of an all-conquering Luton squad.

Midfielder Olly is a Hatters regular, striker Elliott four years his brother’s junior, with five goals for free-scoring Luton this season.

The Kenilworth Road club have scored seven or more goals three times this season, both on target in the 7-0 win over Cambridge last month.

“Rob Lee was one of the first people to ring me when I got the Gateshead job in October,” said Watson. “It will be good to see him again.

“Pound for pound, he is one of the best value-for-money signings Newcastle ever made and he had a phenomenal career.

“I had Olly when I was a coach at Birmingham along with another Luton player Andrew Shinnie, and they’re both good footballer­s.

“Elliot is an intelligen­t striker and I expect them both to start. Whatever side Luton put out, it will be a tough tie – but one we’ll relish.

“If we play to the maximum of our abilities, we’ve got a chance and as it’s the only game in the region, hopefully we’ll get a good crowd.”

Any thoughts Luton, who won only once in five visits to Gateshead during their Conference days, would treat the tie lightly have been dispelled.

The Hatters travelled to the North East two days before the game and are just as SEVENTH-TIER Hereford earned their place in tomorrow’s FA Cup third round draw after holding on for a 1-1 draw away to League One Fleetwood.

Calvin Dinsley gave the Southern Premier Division side, 89 places below their opponents in the league structure, a stunning start with a volleyed opener on 23 minutes.

Devante Cole equalised six minutes later and the home side almost won it in injury time when Ashley Hunter’s shot struck the base of the post.

Oxford City were denied late on as Jorge Grant scored five minutes into injury time to give Notts County a 3-2 win at Meadow Lane.

National League Maidstone led MK Dons thanks to Magnus Okuonghae but the League One side ran out 4-1 winners with all four goals in the second half.

Stuart McCall’s Bradford are in the mood for another Cup run after a 3-1 win over League One rivals Plymouth while Stevenage cruised to a 5-2 win over Swindon despite sacrificin­g a 2-0 lead in the first half.

League One promotion hopefuls Shrewsbury also guaranteed their place as Alex Rodman’s opener and a Shaun Whalley penalty gave them a 2-0 win over Morecambe.

Forest Green and Exeter must go to a replay after a dramatic finish at the New Lawn saw the two sides share a 3-3 draw.

And Jordan Green headed home in the 89th minute to earn struggling Yeovil a 1-1 draw at Port Vale, who had led through Tom Pope’s header. keen to reach the third round as the Heed. “The club have backed me, which I thank them for,” said manager Nathan Jones. “We are treating the tie with the utmost respect – if we don’t we will come unstuck. “It’s a tricky tie in terms of location and Gateshead have good players. “They’ve had mixed results, but results and form go out the window a little bit in the Cup and they’ve got players that can cause you problems.” Gateshead are without suspended experience­d midfield man Russell Penn, but are hopeful captain Neill Byrne and Luke Hannant pass fitness tests. Watson can’t wait for the big game. “The FA Cup is brilliant,” he added. “I have had some good times in the competitio­n and to get Gateshead into the third round would be huge.”

 ??  ?? Hereford FC’s Jack Deaman (left) attempts a header on goal during the Emirates FA Cup second round match at Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood
Hereford FC’s Jack Deaman (left) attempts a header on goal during the Emirates FA Cup second round match at Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood
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