Heed look to bounce back with shock win

GATESHEAD manager Steve Watson returns to his former club Macclesfield Town tonight looking to cause an upset.

Watson left the Silkmen, where he was assistant manager, in October to replace Neil Aspin as Gateshead manager.

With their gallant run in the FA Trophy over the Heed now have to fit in 10 league games before the end of the season.

Saturday proved to be one comeback too many for Gateshead in the Trophy as they bowed out at the semi-final stage.

Watson has to ensure there is no hangover from missing out on Wembley against a Macclesfield side pushing for the tile.

Watson told the Chronicle: “Saturday was a massive disappointment but we’ve got to pick ourselves up as we’re facing a side going for the title.

“The lads were obviously gutted after the Bromley tie but we’ve got a busy schedule between now and the end of the season.

“We’ve got to dust ourselves down and have a crack at a good Macclesfield side, there’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves.”

Gateshead and Bromley, who denied them a place at Wembley in May, have more games left than any of the other sides in the league.

And while the Tynesiders are 16 points from the play-offs Watson still believes his men can get into the mix.

“It might sound crazy but is that elusive trip to Wembley still out of the question? I’m not so sure it is.

“I’m the eternal optimist. We’ve got 10 games left and you just never know - we’re certainly capable of putting a run together.”

Kieran Green, back from a loan spell at Blyth Spartans, is added to a squad still missing playmakers Ben Fox and Rees Greenwood.

Burton Albion loanee Fox has not recovered from a hamstring injury, while former Black Cat Greenwood sits out the third and final game of his suspension.

Captain Neill Byrne and fellow defender Scott Barrow return to their former stamping ground as the Heed look to do the double

“Everyone will get a chance with so many games coming up. It’s a chance to make a statement and we’ve got to use all of the squad.”

Gateshead host Dagenham & Redbridge on Good Friday and then travel to Halifax on Easter Monday - a run of four games in 10 days.