MATCH PREVIEW: Gateshead

WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?

The Shots return to home action by taking on Gateshead at the EBB on Saturday. Much like the weather, Tommy Widdrington’s Shots were in hot form last Saturday, picking up a first clean sheet and first away points of the season on the road at Fylde, and will be looking to add to an impressive home record, in which the loss column has only been ticked once so far this season.

In their way will be Gateshead FC. Going by either “the Tynesiders” or “the Heed”, Gateshead FC were founded in 1977, and play their games at the Gateshead International Stadium.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

Gateshead were 3-2 winners when they last visited the EBB, despite falling behind early. Joe Partington gave the Shots a 1-0 lead after 7 minutes, but Adam Campbell soon levelled in the 19th minute, and two more goals from Marcus Dinanga gave the Tynesiders a firm hand on all the points. A late Corey Jordan goal raised some Gateshead heart rates, but it wasn’t enough to give the Shots any points.

The previous meeting that season had been more successful for Aldershot, as Ryan Glover and Justin Amaluzor were on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win at the Gateshead International Stadium, rewarding travelling Shots fans for their efforts at the start of the festive period.

LAST SEASON:

Gateshead best success came in the FA Trophy last season, as the Heed went all the way to Wembley to meet Halifax Town in the final. The result didn’t go their way, but nonetheless reaching Wembley at any level is a fine achievement.

Gateshead knocked out fellow National League side Altrincham on their way to the first round proper laser season, but were beaten by Stevenage in their first round clash.

Gateshead’s run to end last season is what tipped many to chose them as outsiders for this season’s playoffs, losing just 2 of their last 16 National League games to put them in 14th come the end of the season.

23/24 SO FAR:

Gateshead are currently sitting in 6th ahead of the trip to the EBB, having most recently thrashed Eastleigh 6-0 away from home. Gateshead didn’t pick up their first win until gameweek 3 against Dagenham, but a second win shortly followed at home to Ebbsfleet. Two draws and a loss then followed, before they beat Eastleigh last time to out to pick up a third win of the season, meaning they come into the game against Aldershot 2 points better off with 12.

IN THE DUGOUT:

Mike Williamson is currently in a player-manager role at Gateshead, and has been since their demotion to the National League North in 2018/19. Williamson was unable to get the Heed up in a COVID hit 2019/20 season, and finished 10th in 2020/21, but it was his impressive managerial displays in 2021/22 which got him awarded the National League North Manager of the Season. Gateshead were automatically promoted back into the Vanarama National League that season, with Williamson’s side finishing on 94 points.

TICKET INFO:

Tickets for the Shots’ game against Chesterfield are available HERE and are priced as follows: