Tamworth v Gateshead - Match Preview
Gateshead head for the midlands on Tuesday for a game against Tamworth that has become a six-pointer following the demise of Chester City.
While Gateshead were the main beneficiaries in the bottom half of the table the Lambs will lose six points when the table is readjusted having done the double over Chester.
That will leave Tamworth, who have lost their last four games, just two points above Gateshead and in the thick of the relegation battle.
Tuesday's game is now crucial for both sides who played out a 1-1 draw on Tyneside in August, the departed Jamie Harwood scoring Gateshead's late equaliser.
Gateshead, are likely to be unchanged to the side that beat Altrincham in their last outing, though there may be a change or two on the bench.
The Tynesiders are looking to record back-to-back Conference wins for the first time this season.
The only survivors from the starting line up that faced Tamworth at the start of the season will be Craig Baxter, James Curtis and captain Kris Gate - if fit.
"Gate has had an extra few days to rest his thigh and receive treatment so hopefully he will be okay to lead the side," said manager Ian Bogie.
"Tamworth are on a poor run and under a bit of pressure having lost six points after Chester City were kicked out while we enter the game on the back of a good win.
"There are, however, no easy games at this level. At this stage of the season it is all about results and it is good to have the luxury of naming an unchanged side.
"Wayne Phillips and Steven Richardson are now over their injuries leaving only the long-term injured Martin Brittain unavailable.
"The two away games this week, at Tamworth and Histon, are very big and games we are confident of getting something from.
"If we can reproduce the display at Mansfield and show the same character and determination then we will win both games."
Gateshead played well at the Lamb last season only to concede two late goals, including a penalty, turning a 1-0 lead into a 2-1 defeat.
Tamworth went on to win the Blue Square North with Gateshead promoted through the play-offs.
Tamworth assistant manager Darron Gee has urged everyone to stick together to make sure the club stays in the Conference Premier.
"This is a very young squad and people forget that sometimes," said Gee "but we are delighted with what this set of players have achieved this season. They have been outstanding.
"We now have to get our heads down and get on with it until the end of the season, and we have to work hard to make sure we get more points on the table.
"We have had a bad run before this season and the players showed their character then. Now we need them to bounce back again."
"Whereas some sides down the bottom such as Gateshead and Forest Green have been busily bringing in players to help them beat the drop – we can't do that.
"We fully understand that situation. The board have given us all they can.What it all means is that we have to just all stick together as a club."
Facing five away games this month, Gateshead are hoping to rearrange Saturday's postponed game against Forest Green Rovers for the middle of March.
