Picking up points is Bogie's priority
Oct 31 2009 by Steve Brown, The Journal
BETWEEN a new stadium, the FA Cup and another Lee Novak windfall, it would be easy to get lost in the excitement around Gateshead this past week.
Ian Bogie, while far from pooping the party, is determined to stay focused on the most immediate matters in hand.
The Tynesiders travel to Salisbury City today desperate for a first win in six Blue Square Premier away games. After a disappointing home defeat to Chester City a fortnight ago, victory would bring much-needed relief at the bottom of the table, where Bogie’s team stand two places and a single point above the relegation zone.
Gateshead beat Salisbury – docked 10 points for entering administration yet two places above them after recording more wins than any club outside the top seven – in mid-September.
So Bogie knows his fellow Geordie and former Port Vale team-mate Tommy Widdrington – City’s manager – will be all out for revenge this afternoon.
“The news about the stadium is fantastic for the town and the fans, it’s what they’ve craved for many years, the FA Cup draw (against Brentford, next week) is a great one for us and the money from Lee is very welcome,” Bogie said.
“It’s been a busy week but the most important thing is that we get the amount of points we need to stay in this division. That’s out bread and butter and it’s going to be a very tough game at Salisbury.
“Without the points reduction they’d be in the top six or seven, they’re a strong, young side. We got a good win against them at our place, when we played well. But they’ve got a formidable record at home and anything but a maximum effort and we won’t get anything there.
“Tommy’s a local lad and a former team-mate of mine, he’s done a fantastic job with a young bunch of players and he’ll be eager for revenge.
“Scoring three and keeping a clean sheet last week has been a confidence-boost for us but if we drop our guard we’ll be punished. It’s consistency we need.”
Bogie welcomes back Jamie Harwood from a month-long loan spell at Harrogate Town while Michael Mackay – cup-tied last week and next – is also available. Chris Swailes is suspended, Alex Francis on compassionate leave while Darren Williams (back), Steven Richardson (ankle) and Carl Jones (hamstring) are doubts.
