Watson takes advantage of Heed day off
Gateshead were itching to get back into action after their FA Cup defeat by Luton last weekend but were beaten by the weather GATESHEAD’S game against Woking was the only Vanarama National League fixture called off yesterday.
An early-morning inspection, necessary before the Cardinals set off by train, brought the postponement.
While much of the pitch was playable, the two goalmouths were not, leaving the Heed to kick their heels.
There was, however, a silver lining for manager Steve Watson.
The former Magpie headed for Wirral to take in Tuesday’s opponents Torquay United game at Tranmere Rovers.
The lowly Gulls, managed by former Gateshead assistant manager and exSunderland midfielder Gary Owers, have improved of late.
Two late goals, however, condemned Torquay to a 3-0 defeat at Prenton Park, Watson targeting three points in the South West.
It was a worthwhile spying mission for the 43-year-old ahead of the long trek to Devon, a round trip of 770 miles – the longest in English football.
The Heed will head south at 8.30am on Monday and not arrive back on Tyneside until 5am on Wednesday.
“It’s going to be a mammoth trip, but we’ll prepare properly by training on the way down and staying in a hotel overnight,” said Watson.
“While it was disappointing to have the Woking game called off, it gave me the chance to personally have a close look at Torquay.
“I didn’t think there would be a problem with our game when I opened the curtains on S a t u r d a y morning.
“The two boxes, however, were rock hard when the pitch was inspected, so the lads’ had a session in the gym instead.”
Watson had marked down December as a pivotal month for his side, 15th in the table, two points behind Hartlepool with two games in hand.
But with the month opening with an FA Cup defeat against Luton, yesterday’s postponement and the FA Trophy on the horizon, the emphasis has shifted.
“The Torquay game will now be our only one in the league until the derby against Hartlepool on Boxing Day at the International Stadium,” said Watson.
“The two festive games with Pools will obviously be big ones and we end the year at home to Wrexham, who are going well.
“We will be looking to improve our home form in 2018. That is key to us climbing the table and getting where we want to be.”
The Boxing Day showdown with Hartlepool is the first league derby between the two sides for 57 years and is all-ticket.
Gateshead fans’ last chance to buy them at a home game will be on Saturday when Watson’s men hit the Wembley trail in the FA Trophy.
Tickets for home supporters in the Tyne & Wear Stand can also be purchased on the the Gateshead website. The Heed host league rivals Guiseley, again struggling in the bottom four, in a first-round Trophy tie with reduced prices that will be settled on the day. “I got to the FA Trophy final with Macclesfield last season,” added Watson. “It would be great to replicate that – but the league is also very important to us.”