Omens look promising for Heed’s opening game
GATESHEAD are hoping the good omens play out as they return to the Vanarama National League after a three-year absence.
The Heed kick-off the new campaign at Dagenham & Redbridge, a side that finished one point and one place outside the playoffs last season.
It is a difficult first game for the National League North champions against a Daggers outfit that have benefited from a week-long training camp in Portugal.
Gateshead’s record against Dagenham & Redbridge, however, is a good one - four wins and just one defeat in six meetings.
Their record at the Londoners’ Victoria Road stadium is also good, with 5-0 and 4-0 victories recorded in the past.
A Steven Rigg brace earned a 2-0 win on the Heed’s last visit to the ground in 2019, which mirrored the same result on Tyneside that season.
Gateshead can also boast an impressive record of just two defeats from their last 11 opening day outings.
Pre-season, however, has not been without its problems with three summer signings set to miss the big kick-off.
Striker Lewis Knight is out until at least October with midfielder Dan Jarvis also injured and on loan Newcastle keeper Dan Langley doubtful.
Langley has been confined to working in the gym this week after he limped off in the final warm-up game last weekend with a groin problem.
Experienced goalkeeper James Montgomery, an England C international who has played in the Football League, is on standby to deputise.
“There’s a couple we’ve got to have a look at,” said player-manager Mike Williamson.
“It will be a long season with plenty of ups and downs. Everyone is excited, the whole club is.
“That’s what we do it for. It will be a massive test for us, but one we will relish. The boys are primed and ready.
“There’s no targets or limitations for us, it’s just every single game, just like we attacked last season, it will be the same.
“Win lose or draw we’ll just go about our business and our process, our blueprint is no different.”
Former Doncaster Rovers schemer Lirak Hasani, has become Gateshead’s ninth summer signing having been on trial all pre-season.
The 20-year-old played 16 games for hometown club Doncaster Rovers, including 11 in League One, before he was released this summer.