The Bees return to The Hive after the best week of the season so far. A 3-1 win at Hartlepool in front of the BT Sport cameras was quickly followed by a comeback win at Bristol Rovers setting up an FA Cup second round tie against National North Stockport County. After all that it will surely be a case of keep your feet on the ground for the visit of 8th placed Gateshead.
The Heed or the Tynesiders if you prefer have been on a poor run of late losing three of the last four. Its been a case of feast or famine away from home for Steve Watson’s team winning five and losing four. The Bees home form though has been in contrast to their performances on the road where they have picked up 16 of their 28 points. With the top four meeting a win for either side today would be a big boost to their play off chances. Last time the teams met the Bees secured promotion back to the Football League thanks to two goals from Mauro Vilhete in May 2015.
Looking forward to an eight day break before the Stockport cup tie John Still may be tempted to keep an unchanged line-up although it will be interesting to see whether Byron Harrison who scored the winner on Wednesday night or Manny Duku who apologised for throwing a strop when being substituted against Rovers but scored two at Hartlepool will get the nod to play up front.
We’ll have full match coverage from Pete Hill & Garry Lakin at the Hive while keeping an eye on the progress of Wingate & Finchley in the FA Trophy and Hendon, Potters Bar, Hadley and Edgware in league action.
Gateshead Fact: The town was once home to Sir Joseph Swan who’s house ironically called Underhill was the first in the world to be fitted with electric light bulbs!
HRB Sport 