Heed’s Cup clash to go live on BBC

GATESHEAD’S intriguing FA Cup first-round home tie against Oldham Athletic has been put back a day.

The Tynesiders’ clash with the League Two strugglers will be on Sunday, November 10 (12.45).

The first meeting between the two clubs for almost six decades has been selected for the BBC’s Final Score programme.

It will be one of eight ties covered simultaneously by the BBC and will net Gateshead £12,500 in broadcast fees.

That will take the club’s FA Cup earnings to more than £50,000 with a further £36,000 going to the winners of the tie.

Long-serving club official Mike Coulson believes moving the game is a win-win situation.

He said: “With Newcastle and Sunderland both at home on the Saturday our tie is now a standalone fixture.

“Oldham have requested an allocation of 1,800 tickets, though it will be a surprise if they get close to selling that amount.

“They will bring several hundred and the Tyne and Wear stand will be solely for Gateshead fans.

“Our policy of reduced prices for FA Cup games will remain in place and we are hoping for a bumper gate.”

After the traumas of last season under controversial foreign ownership, the financial injection is a welcome boost.

Coulson added: “You cannot budget for FA Cup prize money, so the guaranteed £50,000 is a massive boost to the club.

“The BBC have chosen the game because they believe there is the chance of a cup upset.

“With Oldham struggling and Gateshead going well, hopefully that will turn out to be the case.”

Tickets for the tie will be available from the club in advance or by by ringing 0191 478 3883.