Montgomery is hoping to keep a former club quiet
GATESHEAD face Southend United for the first time in their 92-year history at the International Stadium tomorrow.
Despite off-the-field problems the Shrimpers are top of the Vanarama National League form table following an unbeaten run of 11 games.
The Essex outfit face an HMRC winding-up order on January 18 and supporters’ group Shrimpers Trust has loaned the club £40,000 to cover unpaid staff wages.
Southend are also under a transfer embargo but have risen to fifth in the table against the odds.
Gateshead are on a much more stable footing financially but prop up the fifth division and are bottom of the form table.
Close-season signing, striker Aaron Martin, could make his first start tomorrow since the second game of the season but captain Greg Olley again misses out with a calf injury.
Versatile defender or midfielder Elliot Forbes has been recalled from a loan spell at Spennymoor Town and will be in the matchday 16.
Gateshead goalkeeper James Montgomery played four games for Southend during their fateful 2020/21 season which saw their 101year in the Football League come to an end.
The Wearsider kept two clean sheets and while acknowledging circumstances have not changed too much behind the scenes at Southend they are a different animal on it.
Montgomery said: “Southend are a much better side now.
“They have a good strikeforce and have strength in depth as well, so it will be a tough game.
“They are in a play-off position and could be dark horses - but as always we look after ourselves and will look to put in a good performance.”