Orient await if the Heed can reach quarters

GATESHEAD will travel to Leyton Orient in the quarter-final of the FA Trophy – if they win tonight’s replay against Maidstone United.

The Heed meet Maidstone for the third time in 11 days in an International Stadium showdown that will go to extra time and penalties if necessary.

Gateshead drew 2-2 for the second time at Maidstone this season to earn a replay, the Stones losing 2-1 in the league on Tyneside 11 days ago.

The fourth-round draw could have been kinder, but Gateshead won 2-0 at Leyton Orient in October in Steve Watson’s third game in charge.

It was a good performance at Brisbane Road, Jordan Burrow scoring both goals, though Orient have picked up since changing their manager.

Watson told the Chronicle: “The overall display at Leyton Orient was probably the best in my time at Gateshead.

“We’ve got to get past Maidstone first, but if we do then we’ll go to London with confidence as we’re in a good place at the moment.

“Leyton Orient have picked up quite a lot and while the pitch has deteriorated it’s a good stadium, one that brings the best out of players.”

Watson is keen not to get ahead of himself, though, and is aware that Maidstone will once again be a tough nut to crack.

“We’ve played them over the last two weekends and both have been close games, though I believe we had the better of them,” he said.

“We know all about each other and if we go all the way in the FA Trophy we’ll certainly have done it the hard way.

“I’d rather it didn’t go to penalties but if it does I’ve got full confidence in James Montgomery, who has shown he’s a good penalty saver.”

Goalkeeper Dan Hanford completes his three-match suspension tonight, and midfield pair Ben Fox and Kieran Green are both cup-tied. Other than that there are no injuries, although Watson could tweak the side and there could be changes up top.

“Having a number of options is a nice headache to have for a manager,” he added. “Whoever plays we will need to perform to get into the last eight.”

Elsewhere, Spennymoor Town will travel to either Workington or Bromley, if they beat East Thurrock United in tonight’s replay.