Gateshead given home draw in FA Cup
Gateshead have been drawn at home to Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Tamworth or lowly Conference North club Hinckley United in the 2nd round of the FA Cup drawn at Wembley today.
The two sides drew 2-2 in Leicestershire on Saturday - all four goals coming in the last 12 minutes.
Hinckley took a 2-1 lead in the 88th minute only for Tamworth to equalise in stoppage time to set up a replay at The Lamb on Tuesday week.
Tamworth are mid-table in the Conference Premier while Hinckley are 5th bottom of the league below.
The second round tie will take place at the International Stadium on Saturday, December 3rd.
Gateshead last played Hinckley United in March 2009 when a Lee Novak brace helped the Heed to a 5-0 win on Tyneside.
Gateshead drew 1-1 with Tamworth at the International Stadium earlier this season after controlling the first half.
Leading 1-0 through James Curtis' goal the Heed lost Ben Clark with a torn hamstring early in the second half.
Fellow centre back Curtis then had to leave the field with a gashed head leaving striker Jon Shaw and right back Craig Baxter to fill in at the centre of defence.
Tamworth levelled late on through Iyesden Christie's retaken penalty after Paul Farman had made a flying save from the first.
"We were in total control until we lost our two central defenders," said Gateshead boss Ian Bogie "we should have been two or three up but had to regroup due to the injuries.
"We have got to be satisfied with the 2nd round draw at home to a side that is below us in the table or in the pyramid.
"However, whoever we play it will be a difficult tie with so much at stake.
"Hinckley may be struggling in the Conference North but they have knocked Darlington out of the FA Cup after drawing in the North East.
"Tamworth are a decent Blue Square Bet Premier outfit who we know all about and all three clubs will see the tie as a great incentive to get into the 3rd round.
"It may not be a stand out tie but it is one both sides will see as a huge chance to go in against the big boys in the next round.
"We have gone under the radar so far but done thoroughly professional jobs against local clubs Hebburn Town and Blyth Spartans.
"If we can beat Tamworth or Hinckley in three weeks time then you start to dream of what might be and it could really put Gateshead in the public eye.
"Before then we have to refocus on the league, continue to play well and get good results and go into the 2nd round of the FA Cup in good form."
Gateshead have earned £30,500 in prize money from the Cup so far along with healthy returns from four figure crowds against Hebburn and Blyth.
Victory in the 2nd round of the world famous competition would net another £27,000 in prize money - and the promises of real riches in January.
Gateshead players salute the Heed Army after Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup win at Blyth Spartans. Photo by Martin Avery.
