Gateshead looking to ruin Imps’ Easter
GATESHEAD could record their first crowd over 3,000 for a regular league match at the International Stadium when they host Lincoln City this afternoon.
The Imps will complete a magnificent season if they win on Tyneside and second-placed Tranmere Rovers don’t win at Guiseley.
That scenario would see Lincoln claim the title and promotion back to the Football League after a sixyear absence.
They will be backed by more than 2,000 supporters in the East Stand as they look to create history on the banks of the Tyne.
The event will be captured by BT Sport, who are covering the game live.
Almost 2,500 tickets have been sold ahead of the game and fans will now also be able to pay at the gate.
That should ensure a good walkup on the day with hundreds more Lincoln fans expected to travel.
It promises to be a carnival atmosphere at the International Stadium, an outof-form Gateshead keen not to be the support act.
Manager Neil Aspin said: “It doesn’t matter that Lincoln will have a lot more fans than us, we have to perform. It’s going to be a big occasion in front of a large crowd and the TV cameras and hopefully that will bring the best out of us.
“We will have to play well for 90 minutes because Lincoln will keep going and will be relentless in what they do. We can’t afford to give too many free kicks away as their two centre-halves have scored 16 goals between them. “We’ve got to be brave and try and pass the ball, even if the game is not going well. If we knock it long we’ll not get any joy.” Gateshead have lost their last three games against Maidstone, Dover and Sutton United, the latter 3-0 on Good Friday.
One win from their last seven games has been compounded by the loss of 18-goal striker Danny Johnson and goalkeeper James Montgomery.
With three games left captain Liam Hogan wants to see his side end a fluctuating campaign on a high. Hogan said: “As a player, the Lincoln game is the sort of game you want to be involved in, a big crowd and a televised match.
“We generally do well against the top teams and after what they have done in league and the cups this season Lincoln would be a big scalp.”
After what they have done in league and cups this season Lincoln would be a big scalp Liam Hogan