JAMES CURTIS says Gateshead must bounce back from Saturday’s crushing setback at Luton Town if they are to prove themselves a “top Conference team”.
And the Tynesiders stalwart believes his side can still sustain a challenge for the Blue Square Bet Premier play-offs – at least.
Ian Bogie’s men travelled to the big-spending Kenilworth Road outfit second in the table after a sensational start to the season.
But following a 5-1 defeat to the Hatters they now stand fifth, their lowest position of the campaign.
Previous defeats – to Fleetwood Town, Lincoln City and Wrexham – have seen Gateshead respond with positive results in their subsequent fixtures.
That is the sign of a good team and, entertaining Southport at the International Stadium tonight, Curtis is keen his side maintain that pattern.
“Saturday was really disappointing, the lads were down because it was one of those days,” Curtis said.
“I think we were probably the better team first half and had some decent chances, but we gave five bad goals away and the two in the first half really gave Luton a lift.
“At a place where there’s 6000 fans on your back, you can’t afford to do that.
“It’s always a hard game going down there.
“That’s what we’re trying to aspire to, to establish ourselves as a top Conference team.
“We want to push on for the play-offs at least this year. After the start we’ve had, anything less than that would be very disappointing. So we’ve just got to try and get a win on Tuesday night now.
“We’ve had two big defeats over recent weeks, which has killed the goal difference a bit.
“But like the gaffer’s said, the Luton game is behind us now and we’ve got to bounce back.
“We’re at home to Southport on Tuesday and we’ve got to get three points.”
The Heed centre-back sustained a facial injury against Tamworth a fortnight ago, then aggravated it and suffered another against Ebbsfleet United last week.
But he came through Saturday’s game at Luton unscathed, and is fighting fit for Tuesday.
“I saw a few of the fans with ginger wigs and bandages on, which is good,” he said.
“But the cuts are nearly healed now and it felt much better on Saturday. I don’t think I’m bothered about my looks any more!”
