Gate faces Pools tonight

Midfield man Kris Gate, an ever-present for Gateshead this season until he tore a calf muscle on Boxing Day against Darlington, hits the comeback trail tonight.

Gate is in the Gateshead reserves side to take on Hartlepool United in a Central League fixture at the International Stadium.

"Gate's recovery is ahead of schedule," said manager Ian Bogie "he will get a run out against Hartlepool and Liam Hatch will get 45 minutes."

Hatch, signed from Darlington, came off the bench to make his Gateshead debut at Kettering last night.

Josh Gillies is back after recovering from a leg strain as competition for places against Newport County on Saturday hots up.

Former Chelsea reserves defender Carl Magnay makes his first home appearance and Sunderland loanee Ben Wilson will make his debut between the posts.

Wilson replaces the injured Paul Farman who should be fit for the weekend.

Gateshead are looking to complete a hat-trick of wins over Hartlepool's second string having twice won 2-1 against the League One outfit in League and Cup this season.

Pools include two unnamed trialists in their side along with Scottish striker Colin Nish who has not played since October.

Kick-off at the International Stadium tonight is 7pm.

Gateshead Res: Wilson, Odhiambo, Carruthers, Magnay, Gilbert, Brittain, Gate, Briggs, Moore, Gillies, Hatch
Subs: Brown, Marshall, Jameson (gk)

Hartlepool United Res: Rafferty, Richards, Baldwin, Rowbotham, Trialist A, Brown, Luscombe, Trialist B, Nish, Boyd, Hassan.
Subs: Mooney, Holden, Rutherford, Hawkins, Snaith.