Derby double is target for depleted Heed

THERE would have been long odds at the start of the season on Gateshead to be so far ahead of Hartlepool going into 2019.

Yet that is the reality, the Tynesiders eight places and 13 points above their neighbours in the Vanarama National League.

Luke Armstrong’s brace brought a 2-1 win over Hartlepool at the International Stadium on Boxing Day.

The two sides face off again at Victoria Park this afternoon in a derby which should attract a 3,000-plus crowd.

Those supporters without an advance ticket can pay at the turnstiles, the Heed Army expected to travel in numbers.

Hartlepool’s home record is disappointing, with just three wins from their 13 games - both sides having drawn on Saturday.

Fatigue could also be a factor as it is a fourth game in 11 days for both sides, Gateshead down to the bare bones.

Four players were missing against FC Halifax at the weekend and top scorer Armstrong has now returned to parent club Middlesbrough.

As it stands, attacking midfielder Luke Molyneux will be playing his last game for Gateshead before heading back to Sunderland.

Any new loan deal will be down to several factors, not least finance, but the Heed can ill afford to lose two of their star turns.

Manager Steve Watson paid tribute to Armstrong, saying: “He has been brilliant for us but you could say that about all the lads.

“That is shown in how far we have come this season compared to how we were expected to do.

“Luckily, with the exception of maybe Molyneux, which we are still hoping can be sorted out, we will still have the rest of the lads for the rest of the season.

“However, any team in this league would miss a Luke Armstrong. It is a huge blow for us and he has a bright future as he has added goals to his game.”

Watson will hold a head count today and will hope Armstrong’s departure will be offset bytwo players returning.

Gateshead have not won in their last 11 visits to The Vic, 10 of them in the Football League, but twice came from behind last year to earn a 2-2 draw.

The Heed begin the new year in seventh place, with home games against Maidenhead and Solihull to follow after today’s derby.