Heed vow to have a go against the Dale
GATESHEAD won’t die wondering if they go out of the FA Cup at the first round stage tomorrow.
Manager Steve Watson has indicated the Heed will go to League One Rochdale to have a real go.
Watson expects to select from a full squad for the clash at the Crown Oil Arena, better known as Spotland.
Only the bottom two in League One, AFC Wimbledon and Bradford City, have won fewer home games than Rochdale.
Gary Hill’s men, who reached the fifth round of the FA Cup last season, have won two of their nine league games on home soil.
Gateshead lost at AFC Fylde and leaders Wrexham last week, but before that had won five on the spin on their travels.
They head to Lancashire as underdogs, but with the belief that they can cause an upset.
Watson said: “We’ve got to take the bull by the horns and go for it.
“It would be great if we could be in the second round draw.
“All the good cup performances in the past have come from teams just having a go.
“We’ll do that and see what comes of it.
“We won’t be looking to combat their system. It will be more about what we can do, how we remain solid and cause them problems.”
Former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson, 35 yesterday, has vast experience in the FA Cup and will be at the heart of the Heed defence.
For half the side, however, this season is their first experience of playing in the Cup, Watson confident his side will compete. He added: “Energy-wise we’re a fulltime club that trains every day. “We’re a young fit side, so fitness levels shouldn’t be an issue.
“It’s just about being solid and taking our chances when they come along.
“There’s £36,000 at stake and a place in the second round.”
Rochdale, 16th in League One, took Tottenham to a replay last season, but have been on the end of cup shocks. “Rochdale proved last season that they can produce very good performances in the Cup, but it’s a similar challenge for us as it was for them.
“We’ve got to embrace that. “Spotland is a nice stadium, the playing surface should be good and we’ll have a strong following - we’re looking forward to it.”
All the good cup performances in the past have come from teams just having a go Steve Watson