Heed hoping it is second time lucky for Trophy tie

GATESHEAD will stage their firstround Buildbase FA Trophy tie against Guiseley at the International Stadium tomorrow night.

Saturday’s original tie was called off due to a frozen pitch, just as the previous week’s league game had been against Woking.

Temperatures have now risen and the tie is expected to go ahead tomorrow, admission prices reduced by a third.

The Heed held two training sessions over the weekend instead, the players’ Christmas night out cancelled.

Manager Steve Watson expects to have a full squad available with the exception of defender Scott Barrow, who is back in training.

Loanees Callum Williams and Robbie Tinkler (pictured) both see their half-season loans expire early in January.

Watson is keen to extend both players’ time at Gateshead until the end of the season, talks underway.

Newcastle right-back Williams, 20, was a regular for the Heed until Neil Aspin departed to take over at Port Vale.

The Tynesider has since lost his place under new boss Steve Watson but remains an integral part of the squad.

Middlesbrough midfield man Tinkler has played 12 times for Gateshead, six fewer than Williams.

The 21-year-old, however, has got back into the side, ironically preferred at right-back at the moment to Williams.

Tinkler has started the last six games, Gateshead in talks with neighbours Newcastle and Middlesbrough about the two players’ futures.

Watson told the Chronicle: “We have a big second half of the season coming up and need as many good players as possible.

“I am hopeful both Tinkler and Williams will stay for the rest of the campaign.

“They are good young players who benefit from playing senior football.

“I have spoken to Peter Beardsley about moving forward. He was very supportive and it is good to have back-up locally.”

Young striker Nyal Bell has been on a half-season loan at National League rivals Chester but is set to return to Gateshead.

Tickets for the all-ticket Boxing Day derby against Hartlepool, meanwhile, will be available for tomorrow’s game against Guiseley.

No longer available online, they can also be purchased from the International Stadium this week Monday to Friday between 10.002.00.