Youth on Heed side even if goals aren’t

GATESHEAD will head for National League big guns Tranmere Rovers tomorrow looking to build on Saturday’s draw at Bromley.

A youthful Heed played out a goalless stalemate in Kent in the third meeting between the two clubs in three weeks.

Two have been drawn, Bromley crucially winning the other to reach Wembley in the FA Trophy where they have sold more than 11,000 tickets for the final.

Gateshead have more mundane affairs to look after, although five games in 11 days has focused minds.

After going nine games without a clean sheet, Steve Watson’s men have kept two in the last two games.

Unfortunately, the goals have dried up at the other end, just one scored in the last four games – and that was a long range stunner from defender Scott Barrow.

Manager Watson (pictured) said: “It’s the same old story as we didn’t work the keeper enough, but it was another clean sheet.

“That’s what we’ve been missing and when it all comes together, and we start scoring like we did last month we’re a good side.

“There were a lot of positives at Bromley, but we just weren’t good enough in front of goal again.” Gateshead fielded five players 21 or under at Hayes Lane with another, Rees Greenwood, coming off the bench. Goalkeeper James Montgomery, again impressive, is only 23, while substitute Jordan Preston is a year younger. “There were a lot of good performances,” added Watson. “We put out a very young side and I do believe in the young lads. “They didn’t let me down. Lewis McNall is a goalscorer and he’s had to be patient. It’s just unfortunate he picked up a knee injury early on.

“Jon Mellish came in at left-back and did well but, as a few of them did, they tired a bit in the second half when the game became a bit open.

“Luckily when Monty (James Montgomery) was called upon, which wasn’t that often, he had safe hands again.”

Top scorer Danny Johnson picked up an ankle injury in training and, along with Barrow, wasn’t risked on Bromley’s plastic pitch.

Wes York was another notable absentee, while the Heed’s most experienced campaigner, Russell Penn, was an unused substitute.

All, or the majority, could be involved at Prenton Park as Gateshead attempt to spike Tranmere’s promotion guns.