League struggles on backburner as Gateshead go for glory
Feb 9 2010 by Neil Farrington, The Journal
THEY may be four days away from a game they have waited five months for, but Gateshead’s focus is firmly on the FA Trophy – and Wembley beyond – tonight.
Victory in their third-round replay against Barrow at the International Stadium (7.45pm) will leave the Tynesiders with a lucrative quarter-final clash with York and within sight of football HQ.
That is more than enough incentive for Ian Bogie and his men to set aside Saturday’s grudge – and crunch – league visit to Hayes and Yeading.
Gateshead’s Conference relegation battle remains their overwhelming priority, but the confidence boost provided by the stunning weekend win at Mansfield means they are eyeing success on two fronts. So don’t mention the idea of squad rotation to Gateshead coach Paul Thompson.
He said: “Once you get this close to Wembley, you play your best team whatever the circumstances.
“Win, and we are two games from Wembley . . . what player would want to be rested in those circumstances?
“A few of the new lads are either cup-tied or are unregistered to play, but we will pick the absolute strongest side from everyone who is available.
“Yes, we have massive league games coming up thick and fast, but the chance of playing at Wembley does not come very often at this level, so we will be giving it everything tomorrow night.”
Tonight’s replay kicks off a manic spell of five games in a fortnight for Gateshead which will shape a season still overshadowed by the spectre of relegation.
Saturday’s virtuoso victory at high-flying Mansfield earned the visitors more than just three points in their battle to beat the drop, according to Thompson.
Gateshead’s club record goalscorer said: “We did not just get the win we got on Saturday – we got self-belief.
“When I say belief, I mean the belief we can go anywhere and claim a result.
“It was a performance we have been threatening for a long time, but until it actually happens you can have that nagging doubt about yourselves. Not any more. It was an absolutely fantastic performance, and the challenge now – and it is a nice challenge – is to live up to it.”
