Loanee raring to go after cup frustration
GATESHEAD’S on-loan midfielder Ben Fox is keen to take his FA Trophy frustrations out on AFC Fylde at the International Stadium tomorrow.
The visit of the Seasiders will be Gateshead’s last game at home before they embark on five, possibly six, consecutive away games.
That sequence will be broken up if the Heed draw their quarterfinal FA Trophy tie at Leyton Orient and earn a replay on Tyneside.
Fox, 20 last week, has scored two goals in his three games since he joined Gateshead on loan for the rest of the season from Burton Albion.
The midfielder, however, has had to sit out the last two games against Maidstone United in the FA Trophy as he is ineligible.
Fox played in the competition earlier in the season while on loan at Tamworth and is Trophy-tied.
The enforced short break has allowed a groin niggle to clear up and the Burton-born player now has Fylde in his sights.
Fox told the Chronicle: “It has been frustrating not being able to play in the Trophy but great to see the lads get into the last eight.
“When you have a run of games going and are playing quite well you want the games to come thick and fast.
“We did well to beat Maidstone on Tuesday and the penalty save by Monty (James Montgomery) was crucial.
“The goals we scored were all well-taken, which is good to see as I see my job as getting on the ball and creating chances.
“I always want to add goals to my game, so to score against Woking and Maidstone in the league was very pleasing.” Gateshead are unbeaten in eight games and have lost only one of their last 13 matches, another plus for Fox. He added: “It is a great run. The lads are full of confidence and we want to keep it going with three points against Fylde. “They are a good side and just outside the play-offs. I am raring to go after missing the last two games and really enjoying my time at Gateshead.” The Heed played out a goalless draw at Fylde in October, the game before Steve Watson came in as manager, Paddy McLaughlin missing a penalty. Gateshead have a doubt over the fitness of their most consistent player Scott Barrow as they look to make home advantage count against the Coasters.
When you have a run of games going and are playing quite well you want the games to come thick and fast Ben Fox