Spartans third pre-season friendly will see Nobby’s side face off against full time side Gateshead. Despite being slightly weaker than they were last season, this one will likely provide Spartans with their toughest test of their pre-season campaign.
So far this summer, Gateshead have added former Notts County goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks to their ranks as well as former Middlesbrough man Fenton John, Grimsby’s Jamie Bramwell and Ben Williams.
Owen Oseni joins on loan from Derby County, likely hoping to replicate the form of his Derby teammate Dajaune Brown who featured for Gateshead last season. Gateshead’s latest pick up (at the time of writing this) was of course Will McGowan, who arrives after 18 months in green and white.
Gateshead have lost a fair few players this summer, the biggest of all being Ed Francis who joined League One side Exeter City. Marcus Dinanga made the switch to League Two Bromley, while winger Connor McBride made the move to Rochdale.
Having lost some big name players this summer, Gateshead will be no doubt still be looking to add some new faces to their side. On trial this summer they’ve had Tyrell Newton (formerly of Luton), Harry Moss (formerly of Burnley), Oliver Basey (formerly of Birmingham), Max Kilsby (formerly of Carlisle) and Brad Nicholson (formerly of Boston United – though the he has already agreed a deal with Scunthorpe United. Michael Ndiweni has also trained with the club, though he’s of course played for us and Darlington in recent weeks.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot is now finally confirmed as the club’s permanent manager, which went down well over on the wrong side of the water. To top that off, nearly £100,000 is rumoured to have fallen into Gateshead’s lap as part of a sell on fee, after Macaulay Langstaff completed his move from to Millwall after 2 successful seasons at Notts County.
After a summer of behind the scenes drama, Gateshead seem to finally have their focus back on the football – though they likely need to strengthen their squad further if they’re to compete again this season.
So far this summer they’ve beaten Hebburn Town 7-1 last Tuesday, before beating Championship side Sunderland 2-1 on Saturday. 24 hours before they take on Spartans, Rob Elliot’s side will take on North Shields. Presumably they’ll be splitting up the team to give the trialists and young players a chance to impress across 90 mins.
Blyth Team News
Harrison Clark and Nicky Deverdics featured on Tuesday night, so they were obviously able to shake off any knock’s they had. Lucas Reed was forced off with a knock in the first half against North Shields, but hopefully he was only taken off as a precaution.
As for trialists, it’ll be interesting to see if Michael Ndiweni plays for us on Friday. He featured for Darlington instead on Tuesday, and they have a 12:30pm kick off against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Olly Marshall who is with the club to maintain fitness will likely feature again, as will winger Gee Baltazar and forward David Allasan, who netted the first goal against Newcastle Benfield last week. Former Gateshead U19 Zac Benjamin has also apparently featured a few times for us, as has Belchior Rodrigues – who also played for Darlington the other week. Winger Marcello Benidetti should also be in action again, as will full back Henry Harvey.
It’s been suggested that midfielder Alex Berhan, formerly of Jarrow FC in the Northern League’s 2nd division is currently on trial with us as well, though I can’t say any of us have noticed him thus far.
Fan Info
No segregation is place as far as we know, and it really shouldn’t be needed for a pre-season friendly. It should be noted though that the Fed Shed will be closed once again, as it still has a hole in the roof.
Admission prices are set to be the same as they were last time out. You will just need to pay on the gate, as tickets can’t be bought online in advance here.
Adults – £8
Concessions (over 65’s) – £4
11-16 Years & Students – £4
As in previous years, season ticket holders get in for free.
The Spartans Clubhouse will be open before the game as per usual and with it being a Friday, it’s a good excuse to sample some of the new stuff on draft.
It should be noted though that the main bar will be closed due a function. The Sports Bar and the ‘Sun terrace’ will be open however, and the weather is meant to be canny.
We’d assume that the regular burger van will also be there in its usual spot.
As for the club store, that may have the new home and away shirts ready for sale, but we’ve no clue just yet. Expect the football club will confirm whether or not or they’re available prior to Friday’s game.
