Gateshead v Newport County - Match Preview
Gateshead are looking to end a frustrating week on a high by getting their promotion push back on track with victory over lowly Newport County at the International Stadium on Saturday.
Five points were dropped against bottom seven sides Lincoln City and Kettering Town and manager Ian Bogie does not want another slip up against Newport.
The Welshmen, who have picked up just one point from their last five games, dropped to second bottom on Tuesday when some of their rivals picked up points.
County were on FA Trophy duty that night and a Jake Harris brace in the last five minutes gave them a 3-1 win at Evo-Stik Premier side Worksop Town.
Manager Justin Edinburgh is unable to call upon the services of Ismail Yakubu at Gateshead.
The former AFC Wimbledon defender was sent off during the goalless draw at home to Forest Green Rovers last weekend.
On loan Cambridge United striker Ryan Charles is also suspended while striker Craig McAllister has joined Luton Town on loan.
Gateshead lost 1-7 at home to Newport on the final day of last season and are looking to record their first win over the Welsh side at the 5th attempt.
The Heed were missing the spine of their side in last April's encounter, Ben Clark, Kris Gate and Jon Shaw all out.
Leading 1-0 when goalkeeper Tim Deasy was sent off on the half hour, full back Craig Baxter had to go between the posts.
Gateshead will be much stronger for Saturday's rematch with recent signing from Darlington, Liam Hatch, set to make his first start.
"After the disappointment at Kettering in midweek this is a must win game and we have to take all three points," said Bogie.
"Our next three Conference home games are against the bottom three sides and we have to take advantage of that.
"There will be a couple of changes to the side and Hatch has already shown that he will be a real handful for opposition defences.
"Not many sides in the Conference Premier will boast an attack as strong as Shaw, Odubade and Hatch.
"Newport, however, will come to Gateshead just as keen to get the points so it is a big game for both sides."
Gate and Josh Gillies came through 45 minutes for the reserves against Hartlepool United on Wednesday.
Gate needs more game time and will not be in the 16 and wide man James Marwood is in the middle of a three match ban.
Gateshead are currently two points off a play-off place and have lost only twice at home in the Conference while County have won only two away league games.
