The Vanarama National League returns as the Fleet make a long trip – in this case the longest trip of the season – for the second year running as Gateshead lies in wait on the opening day.
Head to Head
Last season’s trip to the Gateshead International Stadium also came in August and turned out to be quite a lesson for newly promoted Fleet as the Heed came out victorious by 4-1. The reverse fixture in March was an important one for Fleet’s relegation battle with Dominic Samuel opening the scoring and Rakish Bingham (pictured below) securing his first hat-trick for the club to secure three vital points in a 4-2 victory. Across 12 previous matches in total between the two sides, we have six wins to Gateshead’s four plus a pair of draws.
Summer business
Gateshead have made a number of signings over the summer including a young up and coming goalkeeper in Tiernan Brooks who joins from Notts County after having also spent time with Rochdale last season.
The Heed have certainly opted for youth having also signed 21-year old striker Owen Oseni from Derby County and 20-year-old midfielder Fenton John from Middlesbrough.
But most importantly will be how the FA Trophy holders plug the gap of 25-goal top scorer Marcus Dinanga who has returned to Kent to sign for Bromley, having previously played for Dartford. A sixth-placed finish was an excellent step forward last season although the club had to step aside from taking part in play-offs because of issues over ground ownership at the time.
Pre-season round-up
A successful pre-season saw Gateshead secure six out of seven victories with 19 goals along the way. Opposition ranged from Northern Premier League Division One East side Hebburn Town to Championship neighbours Sunderland.
Gateshead’s biggest victory came against Blyth Spartans with a 7-0 win on the road and the only defeat came against Middlesbrough.
The manager
Still in charge after taking over as interim manager last season, ex-goalkeeper Rob Elliot heads into the new campaign with a 50% win record across 38 games. The former Charlton and Newcastle goalkeeper arrived at Gateshead as a player in 2022 but has since taken the reins as a manager for the first time. Elliot has also played at international level for the Republic of Ireland.
Ticket info
Tickets can be purchased here for £22 (adults) while concessions (65+), Blue Light/Armed Forces (veteran and serving) are £17. Students 17-21 are £12, Youth 15-16 are £7.00 and U14s free with a paying adult. Carers go free with a full paying spectator needing care assistance.
