Former Heed hero returns in cup
Gateshead reserves will begin their defence of the Durham Challenge Cup with a home tie in the 1st round against South Shields.
The tie will see the return of former Heed hero David Southern who will go in against his hometown club for the first time.
The Mariners also include former Tynesiders David Colvin, Alex Benjamin and Paul Talbot.
Southern won the UniBond Golden Boot at Gateshead and has since played for Bedlington Terriers and Whitby Town.
He was a key part of Gateshead's UniBond premier division promotion side in 2007/8 which also reached the final of the Durham Challenge Cup.
The front man has had separate operations on his ankle and knee since leaving Gateshead and scored twice on his return for Shields this week against Tow Law.
"I had a great time at Gateshead and it is always special playing for your hometown club," said Southern.
"I haven't played at the International Stadium since I left in 2008 so it will be good to come back - and hopefully dent the club's hopes of retaining the Durham Challenge Cup.
"I had a good rapport with the Gateshead fans during my time at the club so hopefully they will not give me too much stick !"
There are, of course, inextricable links between the two clubs.
South Shields FC twice moved lock stock and barrel to Gateshead, most famously in 1930 to allow Gateshead to become a Football League club.
Gateshead also played at the Mariners Filtrona Park stadium for a brief time when renovations were being undertaken at the International Stadium.
South Shields are currently 5th bottom of the STL Northern League with two wins from their opening seven games but have games in hand of virtually every club.
Durham Challenge Cup 1st Round
Spennymoor Town v Billingham Synthonia
Wolviston v Hartlepool FC
Bishop Auckland v West Auckland Town
Newton Aycliffe v Chester le Street Town
Gateshead Res v South Shields
Shildon v Hartlepool United Res
Billingham Town v Darlington RA
Sunderland Ryhope v Washington
Dunston UTS v Willington
Whickham v Consett
Horden v Crook Town
Jarrow FC or Tow Law Town v Norton & Stockton Ancients
Stockton Town v Darlington Res
Darlington Cleveland Bridge v Coxhoe Athletic or Esh Winning
Durham City v Sunderland RCA
Seaham Red Star v Peterlee Town
*Ties to be played on or before November 5th.
David Southern. Photo by Mick Rowan.
