Heed hoping to be on the right road
GATESHEAD’S hopes of being in the top seven at Christmas will be tested by a run of away games.
After taking 10 points from four consecutive home matches, the Heed now hit the road.
Mike Williamson’s side has moved up to sixth in National League North and travels to Chester tomorrow.
Both sides made the play-offs last season and are separated by just two points.
Gateshead then travel to Darlington on Wednesday for their first derby of the season.
There are further trips to mid-table Leamington and lowly Blyth Spartans in December.
Kidderminster Harriers, currently second, offer the only respite at home until Spennymoor end the year on Tyneside.
Gateshead could be at home in the FA Trophy on the final Saturday before Christmas depending on the second-round draw.
The Tynesiders head for Chester having ended leaders Gloucester City’s unbeaten start to the campaign on Tuesday.
They are further boosted by the return to training of playermanager Mike Williamson and schemer Dan Ward.
However goalkeeper James Montgomery is out for four to six weeks with a knee injury and JJ O’Donnell also misses out.
Assistant manager Ian Watson believes it will be a game between two good footballing sides.
He said: “Chester are a very good side who, like us, like to get the ball down and play.
“They have a lot of good players so it is going to be a really tough task down there.
“We go there full of confidence. We will look to put our stamp on the game and, hopefully, come away with three points.”
Chester drew 2-2 at Farsley Celtic in midweek and have won three of their four games at the Deva Stadium.