The Chronicle

O’Donnell is ready to return for Trophy tie

- By JEFF BOWRON

THE postponeme­nt of Gateshead’s Vanarama National League game at Guiseley on Tuesday was a doubleedge­d sword.

Midfield pair JJ O’Donnell and Kieran Green along with back-up goalkeeper James Montgomery were all injured.

Three players were out on loan, while the loan spells of Robbie Tinkler and Callum Williams had expired.

Young full-back Jon Mellish has been recalled from his loan at Newcastle Benfield, striker Nyal Bell now back at the club.

Bell, 21 next week, has spent the first half of the season on loan at Chester, the Heed’s next game in the Conference.

Manager Steve Watson, keen to strengthen this month, will be down to bare bones again tomorrow - but O’Donnell could be fit for the visit of Boreham Wood in the second-round of the FA Trophy.

Green, however, is cup-tied, Gateshead now with two or three games in hand of the majority of their National League rivals.

Watson said: “We have now had five games postponed, the three league fixtures needing to be rearranged.

“It is frustratin­g and we wanted to play at Guiseley, not least to get last Saturday’s performanc­e against Sutton out of our system.

“We need to add to the squad to give us a better balance.

“I have spoken to a dozen players and clubs, hopefully a couple will drop.”

Gateshead’s home games against Woking and Wrexham have been rearranged for the last two Tuesday’s in January. The trip to Guiseley is likely to be next month, the focus now on reaching the last 16 of the Buildbase FA Trophy.

Boreham Wood moved up to fifth in the table after a 3-2 win at Dagenham and Redbridge on Tuesday and have lost only twice on the

road. Watson added: “It will be a tough tie tomorrow. “Boreham Wood have improved a lot since they first joined the league and are going well. “It is important for us to do well in the Trophy. “It brings in finance, has a Wembley final and increases interest for the fans.” Admission prices are reduced tomorrow, any replay taking place on Tuesday in Hertfordsh­ire with the Heed keen to get the job done at the first attempt.

We need to add to the squad to give us a better balance. I have spoken to a dozen players and clubs Steve Watson

 ?? Pic: Rob Chambers ?? Gateshead’s JJ O’Donnell
Pic: Rob Chambers Gateshead’s JJ O’Donnell

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