Heed’s overnighter for long-haul game
GATESHEAD will have the rare benefit of an overnight stay ahead of tomorrow’s National League game at Maidstone United.
Manager Steve Watson hopes the better preparation for a long-haul trip south will pay dividends.
The Heed have had early-morning on-the-day starts to Maidenhead, Boreham Wood, Bromley, Ebbsfleet, Barnet and Leyton Orient.
Despite that 10 points were accrued from the six games, Gateshead winning 1-0 at Havant and Waterlooville in their only overnightstay game.
The Tynesiders face a 315-mile trip to Kent to take on a Maidstone side languishing in secondbottom place.
Watson’s men is looking to record a league double over the Stones, having beaten them 1-0 at the International Stadium.
A late Scott Boden penalty was the difference between two sides ,who have enjoyed contrasting campaigns.
The Heed are looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s FA Trophy defeat at Conference title favourites Salford City.
Maidstone won their first-round replay against Woking at the Gallagher Stadium on the same night, 3-2 after extra time.
The Stones, however, have won just one of their 11 league games on their plastic pitch and are four points from safety.
Gateshead manager Watson said: “Their home record is something we will look to take advantage of.
“Travelling down the day before the game is a big help and it is important we make the most of the better preparation.” On-loan Middlesbrough goalkeeper Aynsley Pears is set to return in goal after he was rested for the Trophy tie at Salford. England C defender Jon Mellish also missed the 3-1 defeat at the Peninsula Stadium with a hip injury. He will return to the travelling squad as Gateshead attempt to go into their Boxing Day home derby against Hartlepool in a playoff position.
They should do that if they avoid defeat tomorrow and Watson does not believe the artificial surface will affect his side. He added: “Unlike last season we have a lot of young players for whom playing on a 3G surface will not be out of the norm. “We prepared on Newcastle academy’s artificial surface on Thursday.
“If we can get all three points it will set up the big Boxing Day derby against Hartlepool.”
Travelling down the day before the game is a big help and it is important we make the most of the preparation