The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Elliot may ‘freshen’ up side for Coasters clash
ROB Elliot has admitted he may freshen up his squad as Gateshead look to continue their National League play-off push at AFC Fylde.
The Heed have shown different sides to their game over the last seven days after a hard-earned 3-2 win at play-off rivals Altrincham was followed up by a 7-1 demolition of Hartlepool United and Friday’s narrow victory against Rochdale.
The latter of those wins ensured Elliot’s men remain just four points adrift of third placed Bromley as the season enters its final stages.
With a hectic schedule to contend with, Elliot added the likes of Fleetwood Town defender Will Johnson and Crawley Town forward Sonny Fish to his squad – and the Heed interim boss admitted he could make changes when his side visit the Coasters.
He told The Chronicle: “I think we maybe pushed our luck with the lads a bit on Friday.
“Every single one of them, especially the ones that got through another 90 minutes, were absolutely incredible and it’s only sensible with the players we have brought in to try and freshen it up.
“It still has to be done within our shape and structure so we don’t lose our understanding, our way of playing and how we do things. That’s why we’ve brought lads in but we also know they will understand the way we play and they will be very good players for us.
“We will assess what Fylde are about because they are a completely different animal to Rochdale.”
Elliot reflected on a remarkable week as his side continue to exceed expectations this season by pushing for a play-off spot and keeping alive their hopes of earning a chance to secure promotion into the EFL.
After losing to Ebbsfleet United just two weeks ago, the Heed have bounced back in perfect fashion with three consecutive wins.
Although he was pleased with those results, Elliot admitted the contrasting styles implemented by his players and their ability to react to different challenges has given him some added satisfaction.
He said: “I think it’s about becoming winners and we always want to win a certain way. We want to play our football and that happened but Rochdale made it difficult for us.
“We are trying to add more dimensions, trying to evolve, trying to adapt so were aren’t onedimensional and when teams come they don’t know what we are going to do.”
Elliot faces a major call at the top end of the pitch after the form of onloan Derby County youngster Dajaune Brown has left top goalscorer Marcus Dinanga to be named amongst the substitutes for the last two games.
However, the former Altrincham and Stevenage forward could be handed a starting berth as Elliot considers his options ahead of next weekend’s FA Trophy semi-final clash with Macclesfield.
It’s only sensible with the players we have brought in to try and freshen it up
Rob Elliot