Watson sweats over Heed captain fitness
GATESHEAD manager Steve Watson will hold a head count before his side’s final game of 2018.
FC Halifax Town, fresh from a victory at high-flying Harrogate Town, are the visitors to the International Stadium tomorrow.
Midfield man Tom White was sent off late on in Gateshead’s Boxing Day derby win over Hartlepool United.
White’s suspension is aggravated by the fact captain Scott Barrow is almost certain to be out with a hamstring injury.
The Welshman could also miss the return derby at Hartlepool on New Year’s Day where Gateshead fans can pay on the day.
The Tynesiders could do with playmaker Greg Olley back in the engine room after injury and suspension.
The former Newcastle and Hull City man has been one of the standout players in the first half of the season.
Manager Steve Watson said: “We’ll have to see what the position with Barrow is, and White’s ban is annoying.
“He shouldn’t have been sent off against Hartlepool as he took the whole of the ball, and it almost cost us the game.
“We’re asking the lads to be more aggressive in what is a contact sport and then we get punished when we do that.”
The visit of the Shaymen is also likely to mark the end of Middlesbrough striker Luke Armstrong’s productive spell on Tyneside. The 22-year-old scored both goals in the Heed’s 2-1 win over Hartlepool and has scored 11 goals in 18 games.
That form has seen Boro recall him from what had been a season-long loan at Gateshead, albeit with a recall clause.
“We had hoped Boro would allow him to play at Hartlepool, but Halifax is now set to be his last game for us,” added Watson.
“He has done a fantastic job and with his attitude and work-rate is an incredible professional – he’ll want to sign off with more goals.
“It’s disappointing he can’t play on New Year’s Day, but we did well without him when he was injured.” Halifax head for Tyneside with former Heed pair Sam Johnson and Jordan Preston in their ranks, with Gateshead seventh in the standings. Gateshead games against Halifax have involved a plethora of draws over the last few years, with the Heed looking for a fourth straight league win.
We’ll have to see what the position with Barrow is, and White’s ban is annoying Steve Watson (below)