Reserves face Leeds test

Gateshead reserves will field an International strike force when they take on top Championship club Leeds United at Elland Road this evening.

Gary Mulligan, capped at various levels by the Republic of Ireland including U.21, and former England U.20 striker Richard Offiong, also capped at U.16 and U.17, will spearhead the Heed attack.

Teenager Jonny Ball, previously with Carlisle United, makes his debut in goal with Craig Nelthorpe and James Marwood providing the width.

Central defender Luke Gilbert is the only non-professional in a starting line up now without 16 goal top scorer Brian Wake who has joined Swedish 3rd division outfit Ostersunds.

Jonny Allan, still to start a competitive game for the first team, is back on the sidelines but the experienced Paul Heckingbottom continues his comeback at the centre of defence.

"Elland Road is one of the great theatre's of English football and it will be a great experience to play there," said reserves boss Paul Bryson.

"We were two up against Leeds at our place until they scored three goals late in the game to pinch a 3-2 win and I am looking for another positive performance."

Leeds are set to name a strong side which will be led by club captain Richard Naylor and includes Honduran midfielder Ramon Nunez.

Summer signing from Charlton Athletic, Lloyd Sam, and former Derby County right back Paul Connolly, who has played 25 senior games for Leeds this season, are also in the line up.

Other established players could be involved as second top United bid to clinch a third consecutive totesport.com East Division title.

* Tonight's game is live on Leeds United TV

Gateshead Res: Ball, Baxter, Baptist, Winn, Heckingbottom, Gilbert, Marwood, Gillies, Mulligan, Offiong, Nelthorpe
Subs: Briggs, Lay, Brown, J.Bogie