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 9^th 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 10^th

2013/14 National League Points 79 Position 3^rd

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 1^st 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