Gateshead will look to the FA Cup for a positive result when they host Stafford Rangers in the fourth round qualifying this Saturday. The National League side are in desperate need of a win, having taken just one point from their last five league matches, a run of zero wins, one draw and four losses.
Their most recent outing was a 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers' under-21 side in the National League Cup on Tuesday, a result that at least halted a run of four consecutive league defeats. The last of those was a 4-1 loss away to FC Halifax Town on 10 October, where Issaka scored a first-half consolation. Gateshead's league position is dire, sitting 24th with only four points from 13 games, having recorded just one win and one draw all season. They have scored only eight goals while conceding 31, the worst defensive record in the division, and are a massive 31 points adrift of leaders Boreham Wood. Their recent form in the league shows a sequence of defeats to Wealdstone, Altrincham, Worthing, and Halifax before the cup draw.
Cup focus
Saturday's cup tie offers a brief respite from the relentless pressure of the league campaign. The team that started against Halifax, featuring the likes of Jameson in goal and McCalmont in midfield, will likely form the basis of the side to face Stafford Rangers. The visitors, from the Northern Premier League Division One West, present a different challenge and an opportunity for Gateshead to build some momentum.
A positive result would be a welcome boost ahead of a return to league action next Friday, 23 October, against Tamworth at the International Stadium. Tamworth currently sit 18th in the table. The Heed are anchored to the bottom of the standings and know improvement is urgently required on all fronts. The club has not named a permanent manager in the available data, leaving the team to prepare under the existing coaching staff.
Kick-off at the International Stadium is at 3pm on Saturday 17 October.
