Heed manager’s warning ahead of Spitfires clash

ROB ELLIOT has warned Gateshead to maintain the performance levels that helped claim maximum points from their last two games when Eastleigh visit the International Stadium tonight.

The Heed have shrugged off an underwhelming run of form in recent weeks after taking six points from last weekend’s home game with Barnet and Saturday’s toughlooking trip to in-form Southend United.

The win means Elliot’s side will head into tonight’s meeting with Eastleigh knowing a win could lift them as high as fourth in the National League table if results elsewhere go their way.

The visitors will arrive on the south bank of the Tyne looking to avenge the 6-0 home hammering inflicted on them by Gateshead earlier this season and looking to avoid a third consecutive loss after they suffered a 3-1 home defeat against runaway league leaders Chesterfield on Saturday.

Despite the Spitfires struggling to find form, Elliot has urged his players to continue looking to improve to get a result tonight and maintain the momentum gathered by their weekend win at Roots Hall.

He said: “I see Southend as in the top three in this league. I really do like them, they’re a top team, with top individuals and they’ll be disappointed with the result but for us it’s a huge win to come to a place like this and I thought the lads handled the atmosphere, the game and the occasion perfectly.

“Everything we asked of them, they delivered.

“The headers and the clearances, Mamadou Jobe, Joe Grayson, we know how much ability he has on the ball but he showed a grit and determination to defend.

“We just have to keep taking it one game at a time. We’ve got another really tough game against Eastleigh and since we played them have been one of the form teams in the league.

“We just have to get ready, go again and hopefully keep grinding out the results and making sure the performances are getting there because the more time we have with the lads the easier it will get.”

Gateshead midfielder Ed Francis made a successful comeback from a fractured skull in Saturday’s win at Southend and is in line to make his first appearance at the International Stadium since the Boxing Day draw against York City.

Elsewhere on tonight, Blyth Spartans will face a tough test as they look to halt a run of three consecutive defeats when they host National League North promotion contenders Scunthorpe United at Croft Park.

Spennymoor Town are also aiming to return to winning ways when they visit Southport looking for a first maximum since the middle of November.

Dunston UTS could move into second place in the Northern Premier League East if they can avoid defeat in their home game with Stocksbridge Park Steels. Northern League Div One fixtures

Carlisle City v Whitley Bay, Seaham Red Star v Redcar Athletic, West Auckland Town v Newcastle Benfield, Birtley Town v Heaton Stannington, Tow Law Town v Whickham

Northern League Div Two fixtures

Boldon CA v Redcar Town, Billingham Town v Yarm and Eaglescliffe, Chester-le-street Town v Jarrow

Northumberland Senior Cup

quarter-final

Ashington v West Allotment Celtic