Heed hope for good news from defender
GATESHEAD are waiting to see if towering centre-half Mike Williamson is fit for tomorrow’s National League game against Leyton Orient.
Former Newcastle defender Williamson missed last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Bromley, the Heed’s first of the season.
The visit of unbeaten Orient is the first of a tough bank holiday weekend for Steve Watson’s side.
FC Halifax Town, who have won four of their five games, lock horns with the Heed at The Shay on Monday afternoon.
Williamson has played two games for Gateshead after signing a one-year deal in the early weeks of the campaign.
Watson said: “Williamson has a little bit of a niggle in the groin, so we’ll assess that, and other than Scott Barrow everyone else is okay.
“Barrow joined in a couple of possession drills on Thursday. He’s still trying to stay clear of any contact and it’s a process we can’t rush.
“We’ll be following medical advice, but when he does come back he’ll be like a new signing.”
Last seasons Player of the Year broke a metatarsal in his foot training during the summer, rest the cure rather than an operation.
With two games in three days coming up Watson will spread the load and is keen to get off to flyer by inflicting a first defeat on the O’s.
Gateshead met Leyton Orient on four occasions last season, the games producing 17 goals, including 11 in two stirring FA Trophy ties.
The Londoners gained some revenge with a 3-1 final day win on Tyneside, and another victory tomorrow would take the O’s above Gateshead.
“Orient are a strong side,” added Watson. “They improved dramatically last season under Justin Edinburgh and they look to have improved again.
“They’ll be tough to break down and beat, but we’ve got enough about us with the ball at our feet to cause them problems. We just need to be diligent in defence. We haven’t conceded many, but we’ve conceded goals we’re disappointed with.”
Leyton Orient brought over 400 fans to Gateshead in April and will be well backed again, the Heed hoping for a four-figure gate.
Newcastle and Sunderland season ticket holders get a third off the entrance fee for Gateshead home league games, while under 12s accompanied by an adult are free.