Gateshead prepare to host Wealdstone in a fixture that carries significant weight for both sides as the English National League season progresses. With contrasting recent fortunes and a clear objective to climb the table, this encounter promises to be a tense affair.
Gateshead find themselves in a difficult patch of form, having suffered a string of defeats. Their last five matches have all ended in losses. This concerning run includes a 3-0 home defeat to Carlisle United, a 2-0 away loss against Scunthorpe United, and a 3-1 away reversal at Tamworth. Further compounding their struggles were a 2-0 home defeat to Rochdale and a 2-1 away loss to Hartlepool United. The team is currently on a winless streak spanning 14 games, though they did manage to find the net in their most recent outing.
In contrast, Wealdstone have shown flashes of resilience. Their last five fixtures include a 2-2 draw away at FC Halifax Town, followed by successive defeats to Boreham Wood (4-0 at home) and Aldershot Town (4-1 away). They also succumbed to a 2-0 away loss against Carlisle United. However, they managed to halt this slide with a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over Woking. This recent win puts them on a one-match winning streak, and they have also managed to score in their last outing.
Historically, Gateshead have held the upper hand over Wealdstone in recent encounters. Across the last three seasons, the two sides have met seven times, with Gateshead emerging victorious on five occasions. They have scored a total of 15 goals in these clashes, conceding only 7. Wealdstone have secured just one win and one draw against Gateshead in this period. The current season saw a 2-2 draw between the two teams, with Kain Adom scoring twice for Gateshead and Dominic Hutchinson and Max Kretzschmar finding the net for Wealdstone. Last season, Gateshead secured a 1-0 home win courtesy of a Jovan Malcolm goal, and then inflicted a comprehensive 4-0 defeat on Wealdstone away, with Luke Hannant scoring a brace and Jovan Malcolm adding another.
In the league standings, Gateshead are currently in 24th position, having accumulated 19 points from 27 games. They have recorded 5 wins, 4 draws, and 18 losses, with a goal difference of -35. Wealdstone, meanwhile, occupy 12th place with 35 points from 27 matches. They have secured 9 wins, 8 draws, and 10 losses, boasting a goal difference of -7. It is worth noting that Wealdstone’s record includes a disciplinary adjustment.
A victory for Gateshead could provide a much-needed boost to morale and begin to claw back some ground in their fight for survival. However, a loss would further entrench their position at the bottom of the table. For Wealdstone, a win would solidify their mid-table status and maintain their recent positive momentum. A draw would be a reasonable result, while a defeat could see them slip down the rankings and allow other teams to close the gap.
