‘We’ll make sure we win at Blyth’
GATESHEAD assistant manager Ian Watson has called today’s derby at Blyth Spartans a “must-win” game.
Watson is a former Blyth defender, while four in the Gateshead squad have played for Spartans.
Blyth have a number of ex-Tynesiders in their ranks, including manager Michael Nelson.
After an impressive six-game unbeaten run, Gateshead enter the festive fixtures without a win in three.
They occupy the final play-off position in a tight division, while Blyth are bottom with just one win from 12 games.
After a weakened side crashed out of the FA Trophy against Farsley Celtic the Heed are keen to get the show back on the road.
Watson said: “We’ve had a gap of 10 days before we play Blyth, which is a must-win game for us.
“It’s a local derby and we have to win it, especially with how it went last year.
“We are fully prepped and ready. We will make sure we have learned from our mistakes and that we get a result at Blyth.”
Apart from the continued absence of goalkeeper James Montgomery, the Heed should be at full strength. Last year’s derbies against Blyth
We are fully prepped and ready. We’ll make sure we’ve learned from our mistakes and we get a result at Blyth Ian Watson
proved frustrating for Gateshead, who picked up just one point. The two festive crackers produced 11 goals, with the Spartans scoring late in each game to win 3-2 and draw 3-3 at Croft Park.
That game brought a staggering four penalties as Gateshead threw away victory at the death. That’s been a recurring theme this season, including their last three games.
Watson said: “We’ve got a lot of young players, but that’s not an excuse.
“We have to learn quickly on how to manage games and see them out.”
All of the Heed’s festive fixtures will be behind closed doors, with live streaming available.
After the clash at Croft Park, Gateshead host play-off rivals Spennymoor Town on Monday.