Wealdstone welcome Gateshead to Grosvenor Vale in a National League encounter laden with significance as both teams strive to improve their league standing. Wealdstone will be determined to extend their recent encouraging form, while Gateshead are in dire need of halting their current slump.
Wealdstone come into this match on a modest two-game unbeaten run, although their progress was checked by a goalless draw in their most recent fixture. This contrasts sharply with Gateshead’s form, who are enduring a three-game winless streak and have similarly struggled in front of goal, failing to score in their last two outings. Both sides will be eager to rediscover their scoring touch.
Historically, Gateshead have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture. The two clubs have clashed six times in the past three seasons, with Gateshead emerging victorious on five occasions. Wealdstone have only managed a solitary win. Last season saw Gateshead secure a narrow 1-0 victory at home, courtesy of a goal from Jovan Malcolm. In the return fixture, Gateshead were emphatic, claiming a 4-0 win, with Luke Hannant converting two penalties and Jovan Malcolm adding to his tally, complemented by an own goal from Luca Gunter.
In the league table, Wealdstone currently occupy 10th place with 12 points, having won four and lost four of their eight games. They boast a positive goal difference of one, having scored 11 goals and conceded 10. Gateshead are close behind in 12th place with 10 points, having won three, drawn one, and lost four of their eight matches. Their goal difference is significantly worse at -10, having scored 11 goals but conceded a worrying 21.
A win for Wealdstone would cement their place in the top half of the table and provide a significant morale boost, prolonging their unbeaten run. For Gateshead, a victory is vital to arrest their descent down the standings and inject some much-needed confidence into the squad. A draw would do little to alleviate the pressure on either side, leaving both teams searching for solutions to their recent woes.
