Gateshead have point to prove at Wembley, says loan star
LOAN star Dajaune Brown believes Gateshead have a point to prove when they walk out at Wembley in tomorrow’s FA Trophy Final meeting with Solihull Moors.
The Derby County youngster has been in outstanding form since he joined the Heed in the final days of the January transfer window and his eight goals and seven assists in 21 appearances have been a key factor in what has been a successful second half to the season for Rob Elliot’s side.
The 18-year-old forward scored a hat-trick in the Trophy quarter-final win against Peterborough Sports and set up goals for Callum Whelan and Ben Worman in the semi-final
Elliot
He The “That’s victory against Macclesfield as the Heed claimed a Wembley visit for the second successive season.
Chasing success on two fronts was cruelly taken away from Gateshead when a dispute over a ten-year security of tenure on the International Stadium meant their home ground failed to meet the EFL criteria and prevented them from competing in the National League play-offs.
With the sting of that decision still felt within the Gateshead dressing room, Brown, who has reportedly attracted interest from Newcastle and Sunderland during his time with the Heed, believes that anger should be the energy as he aims to round off his loan spell by lifting silverware.
He told The Chronicle: “Initially, there was disappointment and frustration but we’ve bounced back really well and everyone is just ready for the game now. You think about scoring every game but this is a special game, a goal would be crazy, I’ve thought about it and it would be a special feeling.
“Hopefully we can go out and prove what we should have been able to prove in the play-offs and go out there and get a win.”
Brown is also keen to repay the faith and support shown in him by his family when they are on hand to witness his first ever appearance at the home of football. A strong supporting contingent will make their way from Derby to the capital to get behind the youngster – and the striker has revealed just how much the occasion will mean to them.
He said: “With them travelling everywhere when I was younger to watch me play, and then moving up here, it’s been even harder for them because it’s a very long journey for them week-in, week-out.
“Hopefully they can be proud of me on Saturday and I can make them proud by winning it. They’re excited, a bit nervous, but mostly excited by what could happen with the team.”