Tomorrow, Luke Garrard’s side will be aiming to build on Tuesday’s memorable National League Cup truimph when relegation-threatened Gateshead visit Hertfordshire, with kick-off at 15:00.
It looked like Gateshead would be in contention for promotion to the Football League early on in the 2024/25 campaign which saw them hold top spot for large spells. However, their form dropped off and the Tyneside outfit missed out on a play-off place on the final day of the season with defeat to Southend United, who finished one point ahead of the Heed in seventh.
A recent addition who has been pivotal in their recent up-turn in form, Josh Anifowose could be a key figure in supporting Gateshead’s push for survival. The 22-year-old signed from Eastbourne Borough last month and has made eight appearances so far for the Heed having netted twice for the Sports in the Enterprise National League South prior to his move.
Following our 3-2 defeat at FC Halifax Town last weekend, attention turned to our National League Cup final against West Ham United U21 on Tuesday evening. The young Hammers made an excellent start to the game and went in at the break two goals to the good thanks to strikes from Lewis Orford and Josh Landers.
However, Abdul Abdulmalik’s strike four minutes into the second period proved to be a catalyst for a fightback as Aaron Henry equalised with a strike from distance with just moments remaining. With the scores locked at 6-6 after 12 penalties, Gabriel Caliste stepped up and his strike was kept out by a superb save from Ted Curd, allowing Charlie O’Connell to slot home and make Luke Garrard’s side the first in the National League team to win the competition.
The last time we locked horns with Gateshead came in November when we secured a 3-0 victory in the North East. Zak Brunt broke the deadlock inside five minutes before the Wood number eight doubled the advantage 15 minutes from time. A sublime away performance was then complete when debutant Regan Booty netted an incredible strike from his own half four minutes into additional time.
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Match preview written by Jack Patmore.
