Reserves face tough Iron test

A weakened Gateshead Reserves side face a tough Central League game against Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park tonight.

With The Heed having been in Conference action last night at Stockport County and another six of the squad unavailable only six professionals will be on show in Lincolnshire.

On loan Newcastle United goalkeeper Jak Alnwick is between the posts while Chris Carruthers plays in the centre of midfield after serving his one match ban.

Former Magpies Craig Baxter and Martin Brittain will match up on the right with Ewan Moyes at centre half and Gary Mulligan spearheading the attack.

Newcastle-born central defender or midfield player, Kris Thackray, is back on trial at the club after trial periods at Huddersfield Town and Wrexham.

The 22-year-old has spent the last three years playing in Italy and plays alongside Carruthers in the engine room tonight.

Manager Ian Bogie is in charge of a squad that includes eight teenagers.

Scunthorpe are likely to include former Norwich City and Hartlepool United central defender Micky Nelson against his hometown club.

Fellow defender Ashley Palmer, along with forwards Aron Wint and Jordan Thewlis are also set to feature as Iron boss Alan Knill looks to run the rule over some of his fringe players.

Former Accrington Stanley midfield man Jimmy Ryan is expected to start his comeback after a three month absence along with striker Jordan Robertson, also sidelined for three months.

Tonight's kick-off at Glanford Park is at 7pm.