Heed boss calls for another winning run
MANAGER’S CHALLENGE TO PLAYERS AFTER LOSS TO FYLDE
GATESHEAD manager Steve Watson has challenged his side to go on another run after a midweek setback against promotion contenders AFC Fylde.
A Danny Rowe goal deep into injury time denied the Tynesiders a point at Mill Farm on Tuesday as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat.
It ended a run of five consecutive away wins and four straight victories without conceding.
Watson has urged his charges to get straight back on the horse – but it will not be easy in North Wales tomorrow.
Hosts Wrexham have the secondbest defensive record in the Vanarama National League behind Fylde.
The second-top Dragons are also unbeaten at home and have won six of their nine games at their historic Racecourse Ground so far this season.
The last one was on Tuesday in a 1-0 win over Gateshead’s North East rivals Hartlepool United, who were down to 10 men in the first half.
While Watson was pleased with his side’s efforts on the Fylde coast, if not the result, Wrexham boss Sam Ricketts was less impressed.
He said: “Head and shoulders it was the worst we have played this season. I am not happy with the performance but am absolutely delighted with three points.”
Gateshead counterpart Watson believes his side did not deserve the late fatal blow at Fylde.
Watson said: “To get so close and come away with nothing was heartbreaking.
“We played a very good side and it was an even game.
“We have certainly had to lick our wounds but we now have to go on a run like we have just been on. “Can we go to Wrexham and beat them? Of course we can. Everyone knows and believes that. “They will be another tough nut to crack as they are a well-drilled and organised side but we will always get chances against teams.
“It is the start of a really important month and if we can get points from the teams around us it will be good for us.”
Gateshead, at Rochdale in the first round of the FA Cup next weekend, should be at full strength tomorrow for the clash in Wales.
The Heed have a decent record at the Racecourse Ground, famously winning 7-2 seven years ago – Wrexham’s record home defeat. Tomorrow’s clash sees top scorer Scott Boden return to his former club.
Meanwhile, former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson has been named Gateshead’s player of the month for October.
Can we go to Wrexham and beat them? Of course we can. Everyone know and believes that Steve Watson