Gateshead vs Chester | The Preview
Chester face a tough test up in the North East this evening – as we visit Gateshead.
Tom Shaw’s first game in temporary charge ended with a point on Saturday against Ebbsfleet – but the Blues travel to the GIS tonight with confidence after putting in an encouraging performance.
After going behind to a stunning Jack Powell strike, James Akintunde struck eight minutes from time to share the spoils at the Swansway on Saturday.
Shaw will be buoyed by Ross Hannah getting over an hour of action under his belt on the weekend – as the Caretaker boss looked to be positive by playing a three-man attack.
Gateshead’s home form will give them confidence ahead of this encounter. They have won three and drawn one of their opening four games in front of the Heed crowd – and have yet to concede a goal. Their tight defence is expected to feature last seasons Chester loanee Theo Vassell.
Vassell was in the thick of the action on the weekend – as he conceded a penalty to give Sutton a point against Neil Aspin’s side. Danny Johnson had earlier converted a penalty of their own – before Walton struck from 12 yards.
Gateshead have won three, drawn three and lost three of their opening nine games.
Here’s some Gateshead vs Chester stats ahead of today’s game – courtesy of our Club Historian, Chas Sumner:
The reformed Blues have lost each of their 4 previous visits to the Gateshead International Stadium
James Akintunde made his Chester debut as a substitute at Gateshead in last season’s 3-0 defeat
Current Heed defender and former Chester loanee, Theo Vassell, made his Blues debut at Gateshead
Danny Higginbotham scored his only Chester goal at Gateshead in a 3-2 defeat in September 2013
The last Football League meeting between Chester and Gateshead resulted in a 1-0 win for Chester in March 1960
Match Details
Kick off at the Gateshead International Stadium is 7.45.
Can’t make the game? Follow us on Twitter @ChesterFC for full match updates OR listen to our live and FREE commentary on our dedicated Mixlr page.