Reserves bid for County Cup glory

Gateshead reserves will tonight attempt to reach the final of the Durham Challenge Cup by beating mid-table STL Northern League outfit Norton & Stockton Ancients at the International Stadium, kick-off 7:45pm.

Reserves manager Paul Bryson has named seven professionals in his starting line up including midfield man Andy Ferrell who plays his last game before joining Barrow on a months loan.

Experienced defender Paul Heckingbottom makes his long awaited comeback at the centre of defence with Craig Baxter at left back, James Marwood providing the width and 15 goal Brian Wake leading the attack.

Paul Farman is in goal, and Steven Baptist in the centre of midfield but striker Jonny Allan is unable to play due to illness.

Norton & Stockton, who have picked up more points on their travels in the Northern League than at home, have former Gateshead goalkeeper Jim Provett between the posts.

Former Tynesiders defender Steve Baker and striker Jamie Clarke, who had a brief spell at Gateshead, are also in the Teesiders squad.

Tonight's winners will face either Dunston UTS or Spennymoor Town in the Easter final at the Hetton Centre, home of Sunderland reserves.

"It will be a great achievement if Gateshead reserves can make the final of the Durham Challenge Cup and that is what we are setting out to do," said Bryson.

"It will be a tough game against a useful Norton & Stockton Ancients side but we have done well in the County Cup and want to take the extra step."

Gateshead Reserves: Farman, Robinson, Baxter, Briggs, Heckingbottom, Gilbert, Marwood, Baptist, Wake, Ferrell, Young
Subs: Porter (gk), J.Bogie, Lay, Brown.

Norton & Stockton Ancients (from): Provett, Furness, Brown, Gaston (C), Mulligan, Bishop, Huggins, Gott, Clarke, Mulligan, Earl, Baker, Owens, Burton, Clarke, Alderson, Richards, Porritt, Emmerson