First derby of the season for Quakers tonight
By Ray Simpson
Preview of tonight's game against Gateshead
We play our first north east derby of the season when Gateshead visit Blackwell Meadows tonight.
We are very anxious to bounce back from a miserable first day defeat at Farsley, with manager Alun Armstrong and assistant Darren Holloway wanting a much better defensive display than in the first half at Farsley.
Here’s what assistant manager Darren Holloway has to say about the game:
Team news: David Atkinson is struggling with a foot injury, while we’re hoping that clearance comes through for Josh Heaton in time for the game.
Our last game: Farsley (away) lost 1-3 Campbell.
Team: Elliott, Trotman, Liddle, Hatfield, Laing, Galbraith, Rivers, Holness, Campbell, Thompson (sub Donawa 82), Holmes (sub O’Neill 64)
Subs: Watson, Bascome, Bell
Gateshead had a very turbulent season last time round, and had their licence suspended by the League before thy won an appeal and were placed a division lower. Many of their playing staff left, and manager Mike Williamson has started a rebuilding job at the International Stadium.
Former Darlington player Ian Watson is now assistant manager at Gateshead, and he spoke earlier in the week to his club’s website:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3UTLdYYzrw
Gateshead recent history
2018/19 National League Points 66 Position 9th forcibly relegated
2017/18 National League Points 54 Position 17th
2016/17 National League Points 70 Position 8th
2015/16 National League Points 67 Position 9th
2014/15 National League Points 66 Position 10th
2013/14 National League Points 79 Position 3rd
Their last game: Southport (home) drew 0-0
James; Nicholson, Barrow, Lees, Williamson; Oliver, Agnew, Greenfield (sub Forbes, 74), Thomson (sub O’Donnell, 62), Olley; Blackett (sub Kayode, 53). Unused subs: Guthrie, Nelson.
On Monday, they signed former Hartlepool midfielder Nicky Deverdics and he will probably make his debut.
Connections – plenty of them. Gateshead assistant manager Ian Watson is one of the most recent. He played for us four seasons ago.
Craig Stoddart has written a piece about Quaker connections to Gateshead in our matchday programme on sale tonight, price £2.50.
Our last meeting: January 1st 2012
Darlington 0 Gateshead 1 (Shaw)
Team: Russell, Arnison, Brown, K Taylor, Lee, Bridge-Wilkinson, Chandler, McReady, Rundle, Hopson, Bowman.
Admission tonight is £14 adults, £10 concessions , £5 Under 18s, Under 11s free.
The Quaker, our matchday programme, will be on sale price £2.50
