Mansfield Town v Gateshead - Match Preview

Gateshead will be unable to call upon the services of Daryl Clare and new signing Paul Heckingbottom when they take on fourth placed Mansfield Town at Field Mill on Saturday.

Part of the agreement that saw both players join Gateshead from Mansfield, Heckingbottom on loan, was that they couldn't face their former club.

Heckingbottom has yet to make his Gateshead debut as he is Trophy-tied but Clare's absence will necessitate a change in attack.

Former Morton and Carlisle United striker Brian Wake, impressive as a second half substitute at Barrow on Tuesday, is set to be handed his first start.

Graeme Armstrong faces a fitness trst on a groin injury but is exspected to be fit for the trip to Nottinghamshire.

Andy Ferrell, a £3,500 capture from York City last week, will make his debut in midfield, probably alongside former Newcastle United team-mate Kris Gate.

With Wayne Phillips struggling with a hamstring strain on loan Scunthorpe United wide man Peter Winn will return on the left.

Manager Ian Bogie has decisions to make at the centre of defence with all four central defenders fit for the first time since the start of the season.

Carl Jones is in pole position after he did well in his comeback game at Barrow but on loan Darlington defender Rikki Bains is available after being Trophy-tied in midweek.

The experienced Chris Swailes is also in the squad as Gateshead look to avenge a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Stags on Tyneside in December.

"Mansfield Town are one of those Conference clubs that have spent virtually all of their time in the Football League and are keen to get back there," said Bogie.

"They are one of the biggest clubs in non-league football with a good set up and a sizeable following and they will provide us with a stern test.

"These are the games we are in this league for and the type of challenge the players relish. We will go there with no fear and take the game to Mansfield.

"They will see it as a must win game and will expect to pick up the three points but we are fighting for our lives and face 18 or so cup finals.

"We did well at Barrow in the FA Trophy and in this league anyone can beat anyone else as Ebbsfleet showed at Luton last week."

Apart from the suspended Andy Burgess Mansfield have a full squad to pick from including former Gateshead loanee Jon Shaw who has recovered from a hamstring strain.

The Stags have won only two of their last six games at Field Mill with strugglers Grays Athletic and Eastbourne Borough both earning draws and lowly Forest Green coming away with a 2-1 win in the FA Cup.

As a one off gesture Mansfield Town have designated the game against Gateshead as 'Pay what you want day' where fans of both clubs will be allowed to decide on what amount they pay to watch this Blue Square Premier fixture.

Gateshead supporters will be housed in the modern all-seater covered North Stand behind the goal.

The North Stand away end at Field Mill. Photo courtesy of Mansfield Town FC.