Head along to Heed and give cup challengers your support

WILLIAMSON IN PLEA TO FANS AHEAD OF LATICS CLASH

PLAYER-MANAGER Mike Williamson and joint-owner Trevor Clark have appealed for the support of Newcastle fans tomorrow.

Gateshead stage their big FA Cup first round tie against Oldham Athletic at the International Stadium.

It’s a 12.45pm kick-off, with 1994 FA Cup semi-finalists Oldham bringing more than 600 fans.

Gateshead’s gates are up despite demotion from the National League – and they want Newcastle fans to boost tomorrow’s gate. Williamson, who played 169 games over six years for Newcastle,

believes the Heed can pull off a

Cup shock.

It would be the perfect present for the big centre-back, who celebrated his 36th birthday yesterday.

He said: “As we’re the only game taking place in the region on Sunday, it would be good to attract a wider audience.

“I had a great time at Newcastle and hope a lot of Magpies fans will come along to support us.

“There is a lot at stake and we believe we can pull off a

Cup shock.”

Clark, meanwhile, was one of a group of people who pulled Gateshead back from the brink after a disastrous year under foreign ownership.

Advance ticket sales will continue at the International Stadium today until 4pm – tickets then available at the turnstiles tomorrow.

“We have the stage to ourselves, play good football and are going well, especially at the International Stadium,” said Clark.

“Oldham at home was one of the best ties we could have hoped for – it’s a really attractive tie.

“There are thousands of Newcastle fans who live in Gateshead and we want them to come along and support their hometown club.”