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Down the road to Darlo

Date: Friday 27th August 2010

Gateshead make the "long trek" (had to be done) on Saturday to face Darlington in the first league match between the two clubs in over 50 years (Saturday 28th August, Kick-off 3pm).

Darlington, relegated from League 2 last season have seen three managers in pre-season with Simon Davey quitting, closely followed by his asssistant Ryan Kidd leaving soon after taking the management post. Former Kettering and Peterborough boss Mark Cooper quickly took over the club and has made good progress in putting a solid team together. A raft of new signings have come in, including former Heed keeper Sam Russell, strikers Liam Hatch, Tommy Wright and Chris Senior, along with the loan signing of Richard Offiong from Carlisle.

Making a similar start to the season to Gatehead, Darlington find themselves one place below the Tynesiders in 13th. Their season started with them beating Newport 1-0 on opening day, followed by coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Altrincham, then a 0-0 at Kettering and losing 1-0 at home to Grimsby last Tuesday. Mark Cooper was angry with players after the Grimsby defeat, and may make changes to the line-up with the axe threatening Richard Offiong.

Gateshead meanwhile have no new injury worries, but Jon Shaw and James Curtis will continue to miss out through their ongoing injuries. Whether Bogie changes the system is to be seen, but the personnel is highly likely to be different with both Nathan Fisher and Andy Ferrell in contention to start.

The Quakers play at Darlington Arena on the southern outskirts of the town. Heed fans will be housed in the East Stand (behind the goal), with ticket prices being £18 on the day (£16 if you pre-book before Saturday). Gateshead FC Supporters Club are running transport to the match at a reasonable £10, so to book a place contact their away travel co-ordinator Tony Carter on 07713 723586. If you're driving down, parking at the stadium is £5.

Tommy Wright could pose a threat with his aerial ability. Here seen scoring at Alty in the 2-2 draw.