Wat matters now for Heed is league form
GATESHEAD return to league action at home to Woking tomorrow following their triple blow in the FA Cup.
Left-back Scott Barrow may not return until Christmas after he was knocked unconscious in Sunday’s tie against Luton.
The in-form Hatters romped to a 5-0 win at the International Stadium, the margin of defeat harsh on the Heed.
That misery was compounded on Monday night when the thirdround draw gave Luton a return visit to Tyneside to face Newcastle United.
The FA have confirmed ball number 56 would have been Gateshead’s number had they gonethrough against League Two leaders Luton.
Gateshead have never faced their illustrious neighbours from across the Tyne in a league or cup fixture, with a dream tie tantalisingly close.
Heed boss Steve Watson cannot dwell on what might have been after Gateshead missed out on a lucrative trip to St James’ Park.
Former Magpie Watson instead has to get back to the job in hand - turning Gateshead into a credible force in the Vanarama National League.
The 15th-placed Tynesiders are seven points from the expanded play-offs and face a Woking side very much still involved in the FA Cup. The Cardinals were unlucky not to beat Peterborough United at the first attempt and take on the Posh in a London Road replay on Tuesday. Whether that impacts on tomorrow’s game remains to be seen, a trip to Aston Villa the considerable reward for Tuesday’s victors. Woking beat Gateshead 2-1 on the opening day of the season, when Neil Aspin was in charge of the Tynesiders. Replacement Watson is keen to improve his side’s results at home, with just two wins from the last eight on home soil the Heed’s lot. Watson said: “Losing by five goals against Luton was hard to take but the league has always been the No 1 priority. “It would have been great to get into the third round of the FA Cup but it is important we don’t let that defeat knock our confidence. “The league is also very important for Woking and I am sure they will not let the Cup replay at Peterborough affect them.” While Barrow is sidelined, experienced midfield man Russell Penn is available after suspension Gateshead at Torquay on Tuesday. Watson added: “December is a big month and we now have two games in four days where we need to pick up points and climb the table.”
Losing to Luton by five goals was hard to take but the league has always been the No 1 priority Steve Watson