Heed hoping to conclude Trophy clash
GATESHEAD are hoping it’s a case of third time lucky when they host Guiseley in the Buildbase FA Trophy tonight.
The first-round tie has already been postponed twice, on Saturday and Tuesday, due to a frozen pitch.
Gateshead officials are keeping their fingers crossed the tie will finally be given the green light to take place tonight.
Admission prices have been reduced for the 7.45pm kick-off at the International Stadium, with another home game – against either Boreham Wood or Dartford – waiting the Tynesiders in the next round.
The Guiseley game though will be put back to the first week in January should the pitch again prove unfit this evening.
With the Heed at Hartlepool on New Year’s Day and then at home to Sutton the following Saturday, they could do without a Trophy tie in between.
For manager Steve Watson the postponements have caused logistical problems.
“It’s difficult because we trained for Saturday and then had to train on Sunday and Monday for the rearranged game on Tuesday,” Watson said.
“You get the players ready for the game and they’re both off – we could certainly do with getting the tie played this week.”
Tonight’s tie will be played to a conclusion on the night, including extra-time and penalties if necessary.
“We haven’t particularly practised penalties as it’s hard to replicate in training what it’s like in a match situation,” Watson added.
“We know who we want to take penalties if it goes that far, hopefully those players will be willing to take them.
“We’ve got the incentive of another home draw in the next round and must play well and make home advantage count tonight.”
Jordan Preston goes in against his former club Guiseley, who have a big squad decimated by injuries and suspensions.
And Lions boss Paul Cox admitted: “It is always hard playing at Gateshead because the fans are a long way from the pitch, but we’ll be giving it our best shot.”