Hednesford Town will face Gateshead on Saturday in a bid to reach the first round of the FA Cup, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the next stage of the competition. Gateshead currently sits fourth in the National League, while Hednesford occupies 15th position in the Northern Premier League West Division, three tiers below their opponents.
Match Preview
Hednesford Town: The Pitmen have endured a tumultuous period over the past 16 months, narrowly avoiding relegation last season and subsequently being financially backed to strengthen their squad. With notable players, including a Jamaica international and a former Maidstone United FA Cup hero, Hednesford has ambitions of promotion this season. They have managed to accumulate 12 points from their opening eight league matches and are currently on a five-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. However, they have struggled to score, netting only four goals in their last four outings. Hednesford’s FA Cup run has been impressive, progressing through five rounds, and fans will be hoping to recreate memories of their past successes in the tournament, including a memorable run to the fourth round in the 1996-97 season.
Gateshead: The Heed have had a mixed start under interim manager Ben Clark following Rob Elliot’s departure to Crawley Town. They secured a 1-0 victory over Wealdstone but suffered a setback with a 2-1 defeat against Tamworth on Tuesday. Despite this inconsistency, Gateshead remains fourth in the National League, boasting the second-best attacking record in the division. However, their away form has been less impressive, with only one win in their last five away games. Gateshead will be looking to assert their quality against a lower-tier side and secure a place in the first round of the FA Cup.
Team News
- Hednesford Town: The hosts are set to be without several key players due to injury. Defenders Blaine Rowe, Korey Roberts, and Joel Taylor are likely to miss out, while midfielder Sion Spence is sidelined with an Achilles injury. Jake Jervis is suspended, meaning Zidan Sutherland and Manny Duku could feature in attack. The rest of the team is expected to remain largely unchanged barring any new signings before the match.
- Gateshead: Gateshead will likely be without right-back Robbie Tinkler due to an early withdrawal in their last game. Brandon Haunstrup or Jean Belehouan could step in to fill the gap. Former West Bromwich Albion youngster Jovan Malcolm is pushing for a start in attack. With goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks away on international duty, Harry Moss will step in as the starting goalkeeper.
Predicted Lineups
Hednesford Town (4-2-3-1):
- Rose; Holness, Endall, Johnson, Sparkes; Maye, Trickett-Smith; Sutherland, McHale, Bearne; Duku
Gateshead (4-2-3-1):
- Moss; Haunstrup, Radcliffe, Jones, Hannant; Allan, Booty, Butterfield, Colkett, Whelan; Malcolm
Prediction
Despite Hednesford’s recent acquisition of players with National League experience, this match represents a significant step up in competition against a solid Gateshead side. With the Pitmen struggling in the final third, it is expected that Gateshead will capitalize on their attacking prowess to secure a routine victory and book their place in the FA Cup first round.
Predicted Score: Hednesford Town 1-3 Gateshead
