""

Match Date : August 10th, 2019 3:00 pm
Competition : National League North
Ground : New Bucks Head
Kick Off : 15:00

Telford take on Tynesiders at the New Bucks Head

Telford are in action at the New Bucks Head again this Saturday, when Gateshead will be the visitors.

When the curtain came down on a tumultuous campaign for the north easterners, Heed sat 9th in the National League Premier. However, the off-field issues that had plagued Gateshead all season long finally caught up with the club in the summer. Heed were found to have broken the league’s financial rules and were subsequently docked nine points – dropping them to 17th in the final standings. More significantly, of course, Gateshead were demoted to the National League North as a result of the rule breach.

Demotion brought an end to Gateshead’s decade-long stint in the top tier of non-league football – Heed having earned their step five berth after beating the Bucks 1-0 in the 2009 playoff final. But despite going down a division, things are strangely looking up for the Tynesiders.

You see, there was a point last season when it seemed as though Heed cease to exist. But the sale of the club to a fan-led consortium at the end of May ensured Gateshead’s immediate financial future, while also bringing an end to the reign of unpopular owner Dr Ranjan Varghese.

Naturally, relegation has brought with it a summer of change at the north east club. Much of last season’s squad has left, and it falls to former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson to put together a team capable of competing at step six. Williamson takes the reigns as player-manager and can still call on the talents of captain Scott Barrow and dangerous attacker Greg Olley, both of whom signed new deals with Heed despite their demotion.

Williamson’s men have drawn their first two games of the current campaign. And when the two sides last met each other – in March 2013 – another stalemate – a goalless draw – was played out at the New Bucks Head.

You have to go back to 2008, in fact, for the Bucks’ last win over the Tynesiders – a run of five without success against Heed. Historically, though, Telford tend to do well against Gateshead, and Bucks boss Gavin Cowan will no doubt be looking for a win this weekend.

Stats
AFC Telford United:
Last result: AFC Telford United 2-0 Kidderminster Harriers
Last season’s league position: 8th (National League North)
Last season’s top scorers: Daniel Udoh (26) – No longer with club

Gateshead:
Last result: Darlington 1-1 Gateshead
Last season’s league position: 17th (National League Premier)
Last season’s top scorers: Scott Boden (11) – No longer with club

Website: https: www.gateshead-fc.com