Gateshead play host to Internet owned club Ebbsfleet United on Saturday

Date: Thursday 18th February 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead face fellow relegation strugglers Ebbsfleet United in a crucial match on Saturday at the International Stadium. Having looked dead and buried in November Liam Daish has really turned their fortunes round, lifting them out the relegation zone by finding a good run of form.

However, a crucial period both on and off the pitch now approaches for Ebbsfleet. Bought out in late 2007 by the Internet venture MyFootballClub, the club massively relies on subscription renewals from MyFC members to fund their running costs. With renewals dropping each year, Ebbsfleet fans have serious cause for concern whether their club can survive with the continued MyFC business model, especially with the renewals due in this week.

Gateshead finally saw lady luck shine on us as we took three midweek points in and end-to-end match, and move out the relegation zone. It's crucial come 6pm on Saturday to have taken something from the game and the fitness of Kris Gate could help massively towards that. Struggling with injury since coming off against Barrow in the Trophy last week, Gateshead will likely be unchanged if he doesn't make it. The only other question mark would be over who partners Curtis at the back, with the mobility of the Ebbsfleet strikeforce then Bogie may opt for the speedier Bains.

Ebbsfleet have a dangerous strike partnership in Brazilian Magno Vieira and Moses Ashikodi. Vieira won the Blue Square Premier player of the month for January after scoring five goals in the month, as they won four of six league matches. Impressive victories came against Luton and more recently they beat York City 1-0 at home (last Saturday) as Gateshead born Richard Brodie saw red for violent conduct. Vieira has 14 goals so far this season, hitting a rich vein of form since late November, and Ashikodi has hit three since joining from Kettering. Ebbsfleet will have to do without midfielder Clint Easton who left the field last Saturday with a fractured eye socket following a challenge with York's Michael Rankine.

Magno Vieira is a tricky striker who will need to be watched carefully by the Gateshead defence.

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Gateshead play host to Internet owned club Ebbsfleet United on Saturday