High-flying Heed aiming for top spot
GATESHEAD are looking to end the first week of the season on maximum points and top of the table.
It was a scenario unthinkable during a summer of change on and off the pitch and savage cuts.
However, the Heed have defied the odds so far, winning impressively at Maidenhead on the opening day and then beating Salford City.
The 2-1 win over the title favourites on Tuesday attracted a crowd of 1,243 to the International Stadium.
Dover Athletic are next up for Steve Watson’s young side tomorrow, the Kent outfit something of a bogey team for Gateshead.
The Whites have won six of the last eight meetings between the two sides, suffering only one defeat.
Chris Kinnear’s men, however, have so far only picked up one point from their opening two matches.
They were within two minutes of winning at Bromley on Tuesday and assistant manager Jake Leberl expects a tough test on Tyneside.
He said: “Gateshead have gone a lot younger, which can sometimes help as Steve Watson can create his own thing there.
“They have started very well and it is going to be a difficult game for us.”
Heed boss Watson just wants more of the same as his new-look side continues to play with no fear and plenty of quality and desire.
Watson said: “We were excellent for 70 minutes against Salford and fully deserved what was an excellent win.
“We now have to go again against Dover and then we have two more London trips next week, so it is a tough start.
“It was important we got some momentum going and we have done that, which is really pleasing. Dover, though, are a different type of test.
“Luke Armstrong has been massive for us, as has everybody. It is difficult to pick out individuals, everyone has contributed.”
Boro loanee Armstrong has scored eight goals in six games since coming to Gateshead on a seasonlong loan.
Dover are led by former Heed man Mitch Brundle, last season’s game between the two sides in the North East failing to produce a goal.