Heed aiming to hold off Rams raid and avoid Cup shock
TYNESIDERS A BIG SCALP – WILLO
GATESHEAD will hope to avoid an FA Cup shock when they take on underdogs Ramsbottom United tomorrow.
The Heed have entered the famous knockout competition at the second qualifying round stage for the first time in a decade following demotion from the National League.
Mike Williamson’s men will look to put Tuesday’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at Hereford behind them, with admission prices reduced for the tie at the International Stadium.
The midweek defeat was only their second setback of the campaign, with the Bulls’ winner coming in the sixth minute of injury time.
Given that both of Hereford’s goals were self-inflicted by a benevolent Heed, Williamson will have to rally the troops.
They cannot afford to be on the wrong end of a Cup upset against a Rams side who have lost only one of their nine league and cup games and are second in the Northern Premier League West Division.
It is a first meeting between the two clubs, with Gateshead the only North East side at home in the FA Cup.
While promotion is Gateshead’s main aim, Williamson did not play down the importance of a Cup run.
He told The Chronicle: “I’m delighted first and foremost to be handed a home tie in the FA Cup.
“It’s not going to be easy as coming to Gateshead will be a really good day out for Ramsbottom. We will be seen as a big scalp and we will need to do everything properly and be on our mettle.”
Gateshead will be without captain Scott Barrow, stretchered off at Hereford, and midfielder Connor Oliver.
Dunston UTS will face a familiar opposition as they travel to Merseyside to face BetVictor NPL North West Division rivals Marine.
The two sides drew 1-1 on the opening day of the league campaign.
Dunston will be without striker Mark Fitzpatrick, but will hope that Cedwyn Scott can continue the form that has seen him score nine goals in his last nine games.