William Bewsey
10:52am, Wed 23rd Aug 2023
Match previews sponsored by Nuffield Health
Gateshead v Woking
Vanarama National League
26th August 2023
15:00 Kick-Off
Woking will hope to register their first away win of the season when they take on Gateshead.
With four points from their first four games, and a long injury list, Woking have had a far from ideal start to the National League season, but with the Gateshead International Stadium historically being a happy hunting ground for the Cards, and the possibility of players coming back before the weekend, Darren Sarll will hope his side can get back on track.
Opposition Watch
Promoted as National League North champions in 2022, the Heed were fearing a relegation scrap for much of the season, but an exceptional run near the end of the season, coupled with a trip to Wembley as FA Trophy finalists saw Gateshead finish 14th, comfortably mid table.
Business from Mike Williamson and his recruitment team has been impressive, with Luke Hannant, Regan Booty, Ed Francis and Callum Whelan in particular strengthening the Heed, with last season's late signings in Marcus Dinanga and Stephen Wearne also showing plenty of promise in the Heed's opening games.
Notable losses have included versatile forward Adam Campbell to Crawley Town and midfielders Dan Ward and Owen Bailey to Oldham Athletic and Doncaster Rovers respectively, highlighting the work done by Williamson and the Gateshead coaching staff.
Currently sitting on seven points from four games, eight goals scored in their last two wins against Ebbsfleet and Dagenham, including two for Dinanga, two for Hannant and a Wearne hat trick against the Fleet means that they are looking entertaining to say the least, seven goals conceded in four games, the same as Woking, but eleven scored.
Last Time Out
A Rhys Browne double helped Woking to a 2-1 win despite Adam Campbell's consolation goal at the Laithwaite in late April, with Gateshead's survival already secured by this point.
The last visit to the Gateshead International Stadium for Woking saw the Cards run out 3-1 winners in late October 2022, as Reece Grego-Cox, Luke Wilkinson and Jermaine Anderson goals were enough for victory, despite a Dan Ward consolation.
Around the Ground
Gateshead International Stadium has its own Metro stop on the Green and Yellow lines, which are both well served from Newcastle City Centre.
There are three free car parks next to the stadium as well.
The closest pub to the ground is The Schooner, which sits on the banks of the River Tyne, serving real ales and food. Home and away fans are both welcome there.
Woking fans are located in the East Stand, which has food and non alcoholic drink options available, such as pies, pasties and sausage rolls.
Ticket details can be found
here.
