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The future's on the line!

Date: Thursday 22nd April 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead face a do or die match against AFC Wimbledon at the International Stadium on Saturday. Having failed to pick up any points in the last three outings, it all comes down to saving ourselves this weekend.

The Tynesiders must pick up at least a point to have any chance of avoiding the drop, but in truth one is unlikely to be enough making the match must win. Currently sitting in the relegation zone one point behind Eastbourne Borough (20th, 43pts, @ Home to 3rd placed Oxford United) and three points behind Forest Green Rovers (19th, 45pts, Away @ bottom placed Grays Athletic) and Histon (18th, 45pts, @ Home to Barrow). Due to our defeat at Ebbsfleet last Saturday, they also come into the equasion being a point behind us (22nd, 41pts, Away @ Tamworth).

So what does it all mean? Well we could win and cruely still go down if results go against us.

Histon: Need to pick up a point at home to FA Trophy finalists Barrow. The Bluebirds only recently secured their Conference status, but have played a large amount of games in the last few weeks and will likely have an eye on the FA Trophy final (Fingers crossed they arrive at Histon with the same attitude Stevenage did to us midweek). Histon have gone through a slump since chopping half of their squad (due to an excessive budget), having won only once since mid-February.

Forest Green Rovers: They also need a point, and will likely get all three as they travel to rock bottom Grays Athletic. After beating FGR at ours they looked sunk, but off the field problems have galvanised their team as they've accomplished an unlikely set of results to claw their way out of the dropzone.

Eastbourne Borough: Home to third placed Oxford United, who can go second should they beat Eastbourne and Luton lose. Oxford have picked up recently and beat Wrexham 1-0 at home on Tuesday. Eastbourne will be missing their goalkeeper Danny Knowles after being sent off in their defeat at Kettering, they have applied to the Conference to bring in an emergency loan keeper (rumoured to be Cardiff reserve Jordan Santiago), however with registered keeper Seb Barton playing for Eastbourne Reserves midweek it may well be refused. Update: The Conference have rejected Eastbourne's application. 

Ebbsfleet United: Ebbsfleet are still alive, but must win at Tamworth and hope that both ourselves and Eastbourne fail to pick up three points.

Back to our opponents, AFC Wimbledon have had a fantastic first season in the Conference, having been promoted as Champions of the Conference South last season and finishing this campaign as a part-time team in upper mid-table is extremely impressive. However, a slump in form since the beginning of March has seen their play-off charge end. The Dons are now talking about going full-time next season, and will surely be play-off challengers next year. Last time out (Tuesday), they went down 1-0 in their last home match of the season in front of 3,000 to Tamworth. They will round off the season by playing in the London Senior Cup final next Wednesday.

So this is the last chance for the players to prove they have the heart and desire to want a future at Gateshead Football Club. Enough has been said over the last month about needing to put the effort in, it's come down to now or never. Get into them hard and fast from the first whistle, don't give them an inch on the ball, stick your foot when it's needed, and don't be affraid to play your football when in possesion. Whatever happens come 5pm, make sure you don't leave that pitch without knowing you've given it everything you have!

HOWAY THE LADS!!!!!