GATESHEAD v WREXHAM (Blue Square Premier)
Tuesday 4th October 2011 – Kickoff: 1945hrs
It’s a top-of-the-table clash on Tuesday night at the Gateshead International Stadium when Conference leaders Gateshead entertain third-placed Wrexham with the winners guaranteed top spot.
The Tyne And Wear outfit have really come out of the blocks this season and along with Fleetwood Town, remain unbeaten at home so far. The Heed Army possess an impressive home record of 4-3-0 12/5, and have registered wins over Mansfield Town, Grimsby Town, Alfreton and York City. However, Gateshead’s recent 1-1 draw with Tamworth on Saturday produced mixed fortunes despite them extending their unbeaten run.
Centre-back Ben Clark was substituted with a torn hamstring and will definitely miss the Tuesday night show-down with Wrexham. At this level , with reduced finances and squad depth this is a crucial point. Ewan Moyes is therefore set to make his debut at the back, while fellow central defender James Curtis is a doubt with a cut eye.
At the other end though, the undoubted dangerman is striker Jon Shaw (12 goals), Yemi Obudabe (2 goals, 2 assists), along with creativity being supplied by Chris Gate (2 goals, 3 assists) and Michael Cummins (3 assists), Gateshead have scored in every home match to date.
Travelling Wrexham prove there is life after Dean Saunders as they sit in third place following his departure to Championship side Doncaster Rovers, a move he simply could not turn down.
Following his exit, the Dragons have won two and lost one under the guidance of new manager Andy Morrell, while on the road their form reads 4-1-1 12/6, with wins at Bath City, Lincoln City, Alfreton and Grimsby Town.
Wrexham have failed to score on their travels just once so far which was a 0-0 draw at Southport, but there are plenty of attacking options open to Morrell; leading scorer is forward Jake Speight (6 goals, 4 assists) but they will be without his services as he is suspended following a yellow card against Ebbsfleet United, along with experienced midfielder Jamie Tolley (3 goals) for the same reason.
Defender Chris Westwood is a serious doubt also coming off with a hamstring injury, while Lee Fowler (2 goals, 1 assist) is a doubt and may not make it for Tuesday. However, they still have Andrew Morrell (4 goals) himself, along with Curtis Obeng (4 assists).
This is a tough one to call but I think Gateshead just about hold the advantage in this fixture with Wrexham’s leading scorer Speight ruled out, along with it being on home soil as well. Gateshead to win 1-0, but will take them with the round ball for safety.
Main Pick: Gateshead AH0 @ 1.62 William Hill
Value Pick: Gateshead straight win @ 2.38 William Hill
Goalscorer: Jon Shaw to score anytime @ 2.50 bet365
