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!!!!!

Friday 9th April 2010, by Tynesider

It's time to fight for your future, for the clubs future, for the points, for the fans!

Tomorrow's massive match at Gateshead International Stadium sees the Tynesiders entertain Kidderminster Harriers. After two fantastic results last weekend, Gateshead can't afford to be complacent and Manager Ian Bogie has today set a revised target of maximum points for the players to strive towards.

Kidderminster will head North for the second time in three days, having been across the Pennines losing 1-0 to relegation rivals Barrow last night. Harriers Boss Steve Burr has challenged his players to earn contracts for next season, and they were said to respond well and dominate last night after going a goal behind early on. Harriers lost winger David McDermott with an ankle injury in the second half and he now looks doubtful for Saturday, however Chris McPhee, Brian Smikle and John Finnigan could all return.

Gateshead will be without inspirational duo James Curtis and Kris Gate (although Gate is back in training), Carl Jones should continue on the bench with both Andy Parkinson and Peter Winn hopefully having recovered from knocks at Wrexham.

Dominating for large periods at Barrow and drawing 1-1 against high flying Rushden last Saturday, Harriers are certainly no mugs and will prove a strong test. Gateshead must arrive switched on and up for the fight.

Full match commentry should be on BBC Hereford & Worcester.

Tuesday 6th April 2010, by Tynesider

A battling 0-0 draw in Wales saw Gateshead advance to the next round of European competition 1-0 on aggregate. With Paul Farman helping to gain the Heed a vital point, the next round (fingers crossed) may see the Tynesiders up against Newport County next season.

Described as a "bore-draw" by the Wrexham press, the Heed Army were delighted to pick up a point on our travels for the first-time since Histon away. Too many times this season Gateshead have gone for it away from home and exposed our backline to punishment, with the outcome being a long trip home pointless. So to pick-up a point in Wales is a great result and the management and players got the tactics spot on and most importantly battled away to earn it.

Chances in the match were at a premium and conditions didn't help with a gale blowing across the poor Racecourse pitch. Both defences were on top with Chris Swailes and Pau Heckingbottom excellent at the heart of the Gateshead defence. Substitute Wayne Phillips came the closest to winning it for the Tynesiders as he ran at the Wrexham defence in the second-half to fire from distance at the bottom left corner, only for the goalkeeper to turn it round the post (with the referee failing to award a corner).

The final moments of the match saw Wrexham down to 10 men as Luke Holden was sent off for a second bookable offence. Wrexham pushed on to win the match with Gareth Taylor coming on to partner Andy Mangan up front, but Paul Farman and Gateshead's backline held out for a crucial point.

Gateshead: Farman, Baxter, Swailes, Heckingbottom, Cave, Winn (Hurren 57), Turnbull, Ferrell, Parkinson (Phillips 46), Clare, Armstrong (Wake 73). Subs Not Used: Provett, Jones.

On the injury front: There is the possibility that James Curtis could be out for the remainder of the season as he waits on a scan, but Carl Jones was back on the bench and Martin Brittain is making good progress. Kris Gate may also make it back for the last couple of games.

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.

Tuesday 16th March 2010, by Tynesider

Tamworth midfielder Gavin Hurren has joined the club on emergency loan. Having signed for the Lambs at the start of the season from Crawley he has failed to feature in Gary Mills plans and was loaned out to Telford before Christmas. Described as a versatile midfielder, he started out at Notts Forest before moving onto Kidderminster, Mansfield, Crawley and now Tamworth.

It would appear the Swedish Under-21 International won't be signing in time for tonight, and if he hasn't played over here then it may well be a case of waiting for clearance if the deal is to happen.

Thursday 11th March 2010, by Heed Army

To travel to a team in form chasing promotion via the play off's is always going to be a big ask for a team scrapping it out near the relegation zone, but that's what Gateshead have to do with 3 key players missing.

Captain Kris Gate is now out until the end of the season with injury, his midfield partner in crime Andy Ferrell and defender James Curtis are all missing for the trip to Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday. Gate misses the game through injury while Curtis and Ferrell are serving suspensions after picking up there quota of yellow cards.

Former Tottenham defender Justin Edinburgh is the man at the helm of R&D, his side are currently sitting forth in the Blue Square Premier and are well placed to finish in the play off’s come the end of the season.

Edinburgh told BBC Radio Northampton: "It's a tense situation and sometimes [in games] you've got to remain calm and composed”. Never a truer word said as R&D have hardly been setting the word alight of late, winning games by the odd goal whilst keeping clean sheets. Their last six games were as follows:

• Tamworth 0-1 R&D
• Histon 0-1 R&D
• R&D 0-0 Kettering
• Oxford Utd 1-0 R&D
• R&D 1-0 Stevenage
• R&D 2-0 Eastbourne Boro

So will Ian Bogies men be able to buck the trend and get a result against one of the form side in the league?

Tuesday 9th March 2010

This should bring back some brilliant memories, and a good laugh at the commentators. Gateshead went to then Football League side Halifax Town in the 1st Round of the FA Cup and won 2-0 thanks to a Tony Hall header and a second half goal on the break by left-winger Paul Dalton.

Tuesday 9th March 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead picked up a point from their trip to a depleted Histon, but in truth it should've been all three. In this league you don't often get presented golden opportunities, but when you do you have to take advantage.

Histon dropped five first-team regulars over contract disputes, and the phonelines to the bookies rang red hot, it's a shame Gateshead weren't. The recent pleasing solidity in defence was there again, unfortunately the attacking side of the team has dried up at this point. Gate's absence is a massive miss, but it presents opportunities for others to grab, unfortunately they aren't doing that.

Credit to Histon's youngster, they started at a high tempo and made the opening exchanges difficult for Gateshead to get a hold of the match. Histon nearly went ahead in the 20th minute as Glen Southam broke through and beat Farman only for the excellent Carl Jones to clear away. Our first real opportunity arrived on the half hour, as Daryl Clare burst into the left side of the box only for Knight to save his shot low down at the near post.

Phil Turnbull hit the post early in the second half and Peter Winn shot wide, but Brian Wake should've won the match for Gateshead with two one-on-one opportunities. Unfortunately he hesitated in pulling the trigger the first time and the second opportunity he shot straight at ex-Darlo keeper Knight in the Histon goal.

It was a point at a side who've done well this season. However when you're presented with such an oppotunity it feels like two lost. We now move onto high flying Rushden on Saturday missing the suspended duo of Curtis and Ferrell and the injured Gate. Bogie will have to think long and hard about tactics and it may end up we have to play a compact formation and look to hit on the break.

Gateshead: Farman; Baxter, Jones, Swailes, Heckingbottom; Parkinson (Francis), Turnbull, Ferrell, Winn; Wake (Armstrong), Clare

Chester City officially removed

Monday afternoon saw Chester City's record for this season officially expunged. Having not appealed the decision for the league to call a vote to remove them, the new table can be found here...

Friday 5th March 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead head down the A1 to Histon's Glassworld Stadium on Saturday missing talismanic duo Kris Gate (thigh) and James Curtis (suspension). Chris Swailes will come in alongside Carl Jones at the back and Phil Turnbul will likely continue in the middle.

Histon have gone through massive changes since we met them on the opening day of the season, on that occasion they comfortably ran out 3-0 winners as we came down to Earth with a bump. A physical team who relied heavily on the longball game cultivated by then management duo Steve Fallon and John Beck. Since then the club has been restructured with the Chairman leaving and the Manager Fallon soon after under a cloud. The high earners are slowly being moved on as the Stutes look to cut the wage bill for next season.

The latest victim of the cull is Bishop Auckland born keeper Danny Naisbitt. Having agreed a new deal, the offer was then withdrawn and a lesser contract turned down by the 31-year-old keeper last week. Naisbitt has been made available for a move with ex-Darlington keeper David Knight taking over between the sticks after leaving the Quakers last month.

Histon have lost their last three games: 2-0 at leaders Oxford, 3-0 at Kidderminster and 1-0 at home to ten man Rushden on Wednesday night. Gillingham striker Andy Pugh made his debut from the bench against Rushden and Charlie Sheringham (Teddy's son) continued up front on-laon from Bishop's Stortford. Defender Adam Bygrave is expected to come in after suspension, along with full-back Lane Oyebanjo who was on International duty with Ireland's under-21's.

Thursday 4th March 2010, by Tynesider

The artist formerly known as Baptiste will stay at Ashington for the rest of the season. The young left winger has proven a hit up the coast at Ashington, having played every game since joining on loan. Baptist hit his first goal of the season at Horden last week as Ashington ran out 4-2 winners.

After spending the first half of the season out injured, the deal should help to develop him as a player with a view to being part of our Reserve setup next season and pushing on for a first team place.

If you're not travelling down to Histon on Saturday, then why not head along to Darlington Road where Baptist and Ashington will be taking on West Auckland Town in the Northern League.

Wednesday 3rd March 2010, by Tynesider

One man shouldn't make a team, but unfortunately for us it's fast becoming apparent that a Gate-less Gateshead struggle to get going. Worse may follow before it can get better as the outstanding James Curtis picked up a booking to send him into a two match suspension. He will miss both Histon and Rushden away.

Gatehead started the match brightly with their usual high tempo. Forcing a sucession of early corners, Tamworth were left scrambling to keep the Tynesiders out. Sadly though after this period was seen out by the Lambs, Gateshead then ran out of ideas with Tamworth grabbing a very dubious winner.

After the opening twenty minute period the first half took on a messy pattern of toothless attacks from both sides. Gateshead slipped into long ball mode, giving Wake and Clare virtually no service as the ball bypassed the centre of the park. Curtis and Jones dealt well with the Tamworth attack, but the five man midfield the Lambs sent out slowly started to take control.

Iysden Christie scored the only goal 10 minutes after the break. With Tamworth building pressure on the Gateshead goal, a set play saw a Christie header fly towards the far corner only for Heckingbottom to head off the line, the referee waved play on then after a couple seconds the linesman flagged for a goal. Very dubious to say the least as Heckingbottom appeared to be standing on the line with his hand on the post, for the entire ball to have crossed the line surely he would've had to be standing a good two or three foot behind it?

Tamworth then pressed on again, with Paul Farman making an excellent double stop down to his left hand side.

Gateshead switched to a five man midfield in an attempt to match up to Tamworth's. Substitute Alex Francis came the closest to getting something out of the match for us, as he muscled his way in side the area only to scuff his shot wide of the post.

The match had 0-0 written all over it, if it hadn't been for the linesman. But in truth we were worryingly toothless and ran out of ideas far too quickly. Zero shots on goal is simply unacceptable, and if we're gonna revert to long-ball so much then Graeme Armstrong will have to come back in for Brian Wake. The midfield must also step up to the plate on Saturday and take some collective responsibility for filling Kris Gate's boots. Phil Turnbull is great when going forward, but he must learn to dig in when they're coming at us or we'll continue to be overrun.

GATESHEAD: Farman, Baxter (Francis 70), Curtis, Jones, Heckingbottom, Turnbull, Parkinson (Phillips 60), Ferrell, Winn, Wake (Armstrong 79), Clare. Subs (not used): Provett, Swailes.

Friday 26th February 2010, by Tynesider

Chester City Football Club have today been expelled from the Football Conference. A vote of all the Conference member clubs passed the motion to remove Chester's membership, with over 75% in agreement. It is expected the outcome of this will be to expunge their record.

Gateshead, having lost twice to Chester will therefore lose no points and in some cases gain a game in hand on other clubs who haven't faced them twice. An unofficial new league table can be found below:

Thursday 25th February 2010

Tomorrow's match at home to Forest Green Rovers is OFF. With the pitch already suffering badly in recent weeks, the relentless rain today has created waterlogging. The match referee officially called the game off at an inspection this morning, saving Forest Green from having to make a wasted journey.

Wednesday 24th February 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead grabbed a massive three points with a solo goal victory over Altrincham, courtesy of Craig Baxter. Baxter struck a thunderbolt of a winner with 15 minutes left.

Gateshead welcomed back captain Kris Gate and centre-half Carl Jones to the starting line up. Looking far more compact and assured at the back, the game always looked like it would be settled in one teams favour by a solitary goal.

Conditions were tough going for both sides, with the match passing an afternoon pitch inspection. However it was Gateshead who made the most of a cagey first-half. Brian Wake had two good opportunities, putting a shot wide and then missing with a header from a Peter Winn cross.

Wake had another chance before Alty had their own chances snuffed out on the edge of the box.

HT 0-0

Altrincham should've taken the lead ten minutes into the second half when Densmore was setup in the box, but left-back Paul Heckingbottom got a partial block in to send the shot onto the foot of post, thankfully to then be scrambled away.

Winn who again had an excellent night made many surging runs down the wing, with one low cross only just evading the incoming Brian Wake at the back post.

On 70 minutes Phil Turnbull then came on for Kris Gate, who went down with what looked to be a reoccurrance of his thigh strain. With both sides tiring, Turnbull found time on the ball and started to pull the strings in midfield.

Craig Baxter won the match in the 74th minute, picking up the ball in midfield he drove on unleasing a 35 yard thunderbolt into the top near corner. It truely was a strike worth winning a game, and the defence played excellently to see out the remainder of the match. A welcome three points!

GATESHEAD: Farman, Baxter, Jones, Curtis, Heckingbottom, Parkinson, Gate (Turnbull 70), Ferrell, Winn, Wake (Armstrong 85), Clare.
Subs (not used): Provett, Swailes, Sinclair.

Other News:

Loan update: Gateshead's pseudo-French winger Steven Baptiste scored last night for his loan club Ashington, as they beat Horden CW 2-4. In what appears to be turning into a productive loan for the youngster as he makes an impression and gains valuable experience. Elsewhere, former Heed striker Darren Forsyth has rejoined Dublin side Shelbourne for the upcoming League of Ireland season.

Fixture News: Gateshead's home match with Stevenage next month (March 20th) has been moved due to Boro's involvement in the FA Trophy semi-finals. This match will now take place a month later on Tuesday 20th April, meaning we conclude the season with two home games in a row (Tues 20 - Stevenage, Sat 24 - Wimbledon). Fingers crossed that both teams have their league positions wrapped up by then and aren't scrapping for either the title or a play-off place.

Sunday 21st February 2010, by Heed Army

The Tynesider’s endured what was a horrendous result at home to Ebbsfleet Utd on Saturday afternoon.

Ian Bogies men started the game well, passing the ball and finding space on both wings through Peter Winn and Andy Parkinson.

Parkinson was making darting runs into the box and only finding red shirts inside the first 10 minutes, but the pressure Gateshead had came to nothing and the Ebbsfleet slowing got into the match.

Even though ebbsfleet got in to the game they had no shots on goal to mention until they scored two goals in two minutes. Ricky Shakes grabbed the opener after Paul Farman’s initial save sore the ball fall to Shakes on the edge of the box and he calmly passed the ball into the net. Magno Vieira grabbed the second goal, tapping in on the goal line after some defending that was questionable to say the least.

Peter Winn made the score line semi respectable on 41 minutes when he headed home a pinpoint cross from Craig Baxter which gave the Ebbsfleet keeper Cronin no chance of stopping. 

HT 1-2

After the break more and more mistakes were being made by the Gateshead midfield, with Andy Ferrell passing the ball to Moses Ashikodi who went on to score. During that mistake the referees assistant flagged for offside, in doing so the Heed defence stopped playing giving Ashikodi an easier time on route to goal.

This season has seen a nasty habit of Heed players not playing to the whistle!

The next talking point was “Substitutions”, Brain wake was replaced by Graeme Armstrong like for like, but Winger Andy Parkinson was replaced by out of form central midfielder Alex Francis. Francis tried, but looked and was ineffective during his time on the pitch, the choice to put a central midfield player on the right wing when right winger James Sinclair was sitting on the bench left fans asking questions.

Gateshead: Farman, Baxter, Curtis, Bains, Heckingbottom, Parkinson (Francis 69), Ferrell, Turnbull, Winn, Wake (Armstrong 69), Clare.
Subs Not Used: Provett, Buchanan, Sinclair.

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.

Wednesday 17th February 2010, by Tynesider

Lady luck finally smiled on the Tynesiders last night as Gateshead beat a dogged Barrow side 2-1. Two first half goals from Peter Winn and Phil Turnbull were enough to gain three points and move the Heed out the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's massive home match with Ebbsfleet United.

Ex-Tranmere winger Andy Parkinson was making Gateshead debut on the right and played an impressive role in the victory. Troubling the Barrow left-back with some direct runs and more importantly quality crossing. It was him who setup the first goal, picking the ball up on the right he delivered a hanging cross to the back post out of reach of both the defence and Deasy in nets, Peter Winn arrived to tower a header in on 7 minutes.

Gateshead matched up against a three man central midfield for Barrow and for the second match in a row the energy of Kris Gate was a massive miss. Andy Ferrell was once again left to do the donkey work with Phil Turnbull unable to stick a foot in and win the ball. Ironically it was a poor tackle by Turnbull that saved an equalising goal on 14 minutes. Boyd shrugged off a the challenge to unleash a pile driver, only for the referee blow for the free kick as the ball found the near corner of the net.

The referee allowed barrow to take the resultant free-kick quickly as Gateshead lined up the wall, the ball was illegally lifted over the wall as the barrow player put his foot under it and flicked it rather than kicking it (similar to that Coventry goal in the 70s), play-on was waved and Walker put the 1-on-1 just wide of the post.

Gateshead should've been two up as Andy Parkinson raced through 1-on-1 only to lift his shot over the bar after going round Deasy.

Barrow then started to pressure with Chadwick bringing a good stop out of Farman, before he made a fantastic 1-on-1 stop as Wayne Buchanan's poor back pass was intercepted.

The pressure paid off not long after as Chadwick hit a defence splitting pass for Walker to run onto and round Farman to make it 1-1.

The good side of Phil Turnbull when going forward is a thing of beauty, but he massively needs to work on his tracking back and his tackling in midfield if he wants to be first choice. Thankfully, it was his good side that came to the fore just before half-time as he started pulling the strings going forward. First he tried his luck from distance, only for Deasy to turn it round the post. Chadwick then missed a sitter (putting it over when easier to score), before Turnbull hit the Tynesiders back in front with a beautiful 25 yard strike from outside the box that found the corner of the net.

HT 2-1

Andy Parkinson should've killed the game off in the second half as he made another great run, being put through 1-on-1 instead of shooting early he again tried to round Deasy only for the keeper to pull off a fantastic save.

Barrow were then gifted a gilt edged chance as Rikki Bains (just on for Buchanan) hit a howler of a first touch back pass under pressure, allowing Walker to go through on goal only to fluff his lines as Curtis got a toe to the ball to send the shot looping wide by inches.

James Curtis was lucky to stay on the pitch as he made a daft last-man challenge on Walker, luckily the through ball had been knocked slightly too long with Farman always favourite to collect it. With the Heed fans expecting the worst the referee produced a yellow card. I guess that decision evens out the non red card to the Hayes defender on Saturday. One thing that can be noted from the situation, maybe is that if Farman had've shouted KEEPERS at the top of his lungs Curtis may've pulled out of the challenge. A bit more communication is needed from the young goalkeeper to his defenders at times.

Somehow the referee found a magical six minutes of injury time, even though there had been no second half injuries. It seemed like the inevitable equaliser would happen, however Paul Farman came to the rescue with a fantastic match winning save as he somehow clawed Phil Boland's header out the top corner and around the post.

Gateshead were hanging on, trying to keep the ball in the corners, but Brian Wake had another fantastic opportunity to finish the match off as he was put through 1-on-1. Instead of pulling the trigger early he opted to attempt to round Deasy only to be thwarted. However the Heed hung on and the final whistle was a massive relief.

Gateshead: Farman; Baxter, Curtis, Buchanan (Bains), Heckingbottom; Parkinson (Sinclair), Turnbull, Ferrell, Winn; Clare (Armstrong), Wake
Subs (Not Used): Provett, Francis

All in all a massive win for the Tynesiders. Whilst far from pretty and certainly nerve jangling, it's the perfect way to start our four home match sequence. Next up on Saturday is fellow strugglers Ebbsfleet United, who've unfortunately picked up in the last month with ex-Carlisle striker Magno Viera having a massive impact infront of goal. He'll certainly need to be watched closely!

Tuesday 16th February 2010, by Heed Army

Gateshead have added some Scouce grit to the squad by signing no nonsence attacking midfielder/winger Andy Parkinson.

Parkinson arrives at the International Stadium following his release by Conference rivals Cambridge Utd two weeks ago.

He has a vast experience in the football league, and partnered Michael Owen in the Liverpool youth team. But he made his name down the road at Tranmere Rovers under Liverpool legend John Aldridge.

Andy made 164 appearances for Tranmere scoring 18 goals, he then went on to play for Sheffield Utd, Notts County, Grimsby (with Heed legend Rob Jones) and more recently Cambridge United.

Parkinson also played in the 2000 league cup Final against Martin O'Neil's Leicester City at the time.

Andy was quoted in the local Cambridge press giving his reasons for departing the U’s. His family were moving back up the Liverpool area, so not of a football matter.

He was also quoted as saying in the Cambridge Evening News saying "His time at United had been 'forgettable' after missing much of last season with damaged cruciate knee ligaments and struggling for form this term."

Meanwhile his arrival sees the exit of utility player Darren Williams, the former Sunderland and Bradford player endured an in and out time with the Tynesider's by not following up a good performance with another one, flattering to deceive at times.

Hopefully the Heed Army will witness goals as good as he scored during the League Cup Semi Final match between Bolton Wanderers:

Tuesday 16th February 2010, by Heed Army

In the summer all eye’s will be on Gateshead FC with the introduction of a reserve side playing in the Totesport.com Reserve League, depending on whether the club can avoid relegation to the Conf North.

If this should take place, the reserve team would be facing Leeds Utd Res, Newcastle Res, Middlesbrough Res on a weekly basis.

But who would make up the reserve team players for the Heed?

Gateshead College players would no doubt take up the bulk of the team with a few first team players playing to gain or maintain fitness.

But could the Northern League provide players to be developed in the Heed Reserve setup.

If so, then who could be a candidate to be brought into the Heeds ranks from the Northern league.

One name stands out from Chester le Street, Nathan Fisher (Pictured).

Nathan Has scored 26 goals for the County Durham side in what has been a struggling season, as the Cestrians try to battle off relegation fears.

Fisher is still only 20 years of age and has shown he has an eye for goal in a struggling team, he has previously been on the books at Gretna and Durham City.

Gateshead made great business from the Lee Novak deal which helped the Heed both on and off the pitch. His transfer fee has already reached 150K as Lee is setting Huddersfield alight activating the transfer clauses Gateshead made in the transfer negotiations.

Could raw talent like the Middlesbrough born Fisher be the next Lee Novak? And in the future can the Heed keep a hold and benefit more from this type of player?

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