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Gateshead v Wrexham - UEFA Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg

Date: Monday 22nd March 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead face European opposition when mid-table Wrexham travel to Tyneside on Tuesday night. Having gone on a run of seven matches without victory the pressure is mounting on their part-time Wales assistant manager Dean Saunders. Wrexham do look to be safe from relegation yet have little chance of making the play-offs and with the Welsh fans expecting much better from the former league club, Tuesday night could be crucial for his future.

At the weekend Wrexham hosted Cambridge United in a 2-2 draw as the U's cameback from 2-0 down to grab an injury-time equaliser, it could've been worse had ex-Heed keeper Sam Russell (pictured) not saved with his feet deep into injury time. This came on the back of defeat at Barrow last Tuesday and the Red Dragons may now be struggling to field many influencial players on Tuesday including Frank Sinclair and last seasons Conference golden boot winner Andy Mangan (foot injury).

Gateshead will look to record back-to-back home wins in our fight with the dreaded drop. Midfield terrier Andy Ferrell is available after suspension and will likely comeback in to partner either Phil Turnbull or new signing Gavin Hurren, otherwise Gateshead are likely to be unchanged with Carl Jones still doubtful through injury.

Match highlights of Wrexham's home games can be found on the website of Welsh language channel S4C...

Elsewhere...

This season's league table may be thrown into more controversy as 10 teams have appealed the Chester points expungement. If successful they propose all points won against Chester shall be reinstated and teams with games left to be played against Chester are awarded three points for each of these matches. That would be very bad news for us with clubs such as Barrow then picking up a free six points having never played them this season.

Added to this is the news that Forest Green Rovers could be facing a winding up order and the continued rumours surrounding Salisbury and Ebbsfleet's ability to participate in this league next season, it all makes for a head shaking end to the season. In light of this it's imperative that Gateshead get the points on the board ensuring we're safe from any post-season shenanigans.