Gateshead face Big Four

Date: Monday 15th February 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead face up to four massive home matches in the space of less than two weeks, which could make or break our season. First up is Barrow this coming Tuesday, as we take on the Bluebirds for the forth time of the season having drawn two and lost last week in the FA Trophy 3rd round replay.

Barrow faced a tough match on Saturday as they lost 2-0 to Kettering at Holker Street. The match ended in violence as Barrow striker Gregg Blundell was taken to hospital after hitting a perimeter wall as the consequence of a challenge with Kettering defender James Jennings. Joint manager David Bayliss confronted the Kettering defender in the aftermath, grabbing the player by the throat which resulted in a mass brawl between the two sides.

After Saturday's result at H&Y, manager Ian Bogie must pick up his players and install a confidence and desire to win these four games against the other strugglers. Barrow is a winnable game, with a weakened Gateshead side only losing out last Tuesday due to our own daft mistakes.

Gateshead are waiting on the fitness of Kris Gate who's drive in the middle has been a huge miss, Wayne Phillips will miss out with a hamstring injury but Steven Richardson is expected to comeback into contention. It's unlikely any of the transfer listed trio (Jones, Swailes and Robinson) will feature unless defensive injuries occur.

Barrow will have to do without the suspended Robin Hulbert who was sent off for a second yellow card against Kettering. Gregg Blundell will also likely miss the game after receiving a head injury, meaning Nick Chadwick will partner Jason Walker up top.

This coming Saturday sees our FA Trophy victors play York City in the Quarter Finals at home. Hopefully the events of last Saturday and next Saturday will have the Bluebirds minds focused elsewhere. We're now down to crunch time when matches such as this are must win.

Live commentary of Gateshead v Barrow (BBC Radio Newcastle)

The four home match sequence is as follows (We urge you to try and bring every friend along to get behind the lads):

Tuesday 16th February - Barrow - Home - 7:45pm

Saturday 20th February - Ebbsfleet United - Home - 3pm

Tuesday 23rd February - Altrincham - Home - 7:45pm

Saturday 27th February - Forest Green Rovers - Home - 3pm

Up next...

Last time out...

New stadium...

Dates for your diary...

Links...

Gateshead face Big Four