Thompson looking for fireworks again in Cup
Nov 6 2009 by Steve Brown, The Journal
THE celebrations went long into the night the last time Gateshead reached the second round proper of the FA Cup, and Paul Thompson is hoping for another excuse for a party.
More than that, he’s quietly confident of one.
Nine years ago the Tynesiders beat Halifax Town, then of what is now League Two, in the FA Cup first round, winning 2-0 at The Shay with goals from Tony Hall and Paul Dalton.
On the hour, and just before Halifax had Steve Hawe sent off, Thompson replaced Paul Proudlock. Later he partied hard.
Now, as the club’s player-coach (and all-time record goalscorer), he’s hoping for a similar result – not upset – against Brentford tomorrow, and believes Gateshead’s current side, “better technically” than nine years ago, is well equipped to achieve one.
“It’s a good game for us, the pressure’s off and hopefully we can enjoy it,” Thompson said.
“Brentford are a big, strong, physical side but we’ve had a good couple of weeks and we’re quietly confident. We’re better technically than the side I played in. Then we were in the UniBond Premier, now we’re in Blue Square Premier.
