Altrincham v Gateshead FA Cup match preview
Words by Joe Ward
Alty will face Gateshead for the second time in two weeks when we host them in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup this Saturday (3pm kick-off).
The Robins got off to a winning start in our Cheshire Senior Cup campaign after beating Sandbach United 4-0 away from home on Tuesday night.
Parkinson’s squad was made up of a perfect mixture of youth and experience as the gaffer looked to rest key players for this FA Cup tie.
Not only does the win see us progress to the next round but it also extends our run of excellent form to three consecutive wins in all competitions.
The first of the three victories came less than two weeks ago in the National League against Saturday’s FA Cup opponents, Gateshead.
Our impressive 3-1 win at Gateshead International Stadium sustained The Heed’s dip in form, which after last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Bromley, leads them into our FA Cup tie winless in their last three games.
Team News
Director of Football, Rob Esteva, provided an update on football matters earlier this week and announced Egli Kaja, Lewis Baines and Isaac Marriott are all edging closer to a return to fitness.
On Tuesday night, the talented forward Zak Goodson, who signed from Ilkeston in the summer, made a start, and grabbed himself a goal after fully recovering from a minor calf problem that kept him out for a few weeks.
Matty Kosylo on the other hand is still some way off from full fitness, however, it’s been brilliant to see him join his team mates out on the grass again.
Previously in the FA Cup
Following nine consecutive away draws (barring the Charlton game we don't like to talk about and doesn't count!), we finally have a home draw in the FA Cup and more importantly an opportunity to put right the wrong against the team that knocked us out last year in the First Round Replays.
Saturday’s fixture will mark the fourth time we have drawn Gateshead in the FA Cup. Prior to last year’s 3-2 defeat in the replay, thanks to a 90+1’ Macaulay Langstaff winner, we have a win and a loss to our credit.
In 1974 we played Gateshead United (a different club to today) in the Second Round Proper and won 3-0, earning ourselves a visit to Goodison Park to meet table-topping Everton.
It was a different story in 2010 when we met in the Fourth Qualifying Round which saw the Tynesiders run out 2-0 winners at The J.Davidson Stadium.
A win on Saturday would extend our progression to the ‘First Round Proper’ to an impressive 10th occasion; most recently to face Matlock Town in 2016.
The lads will have their eyes set on a good Cup run this season and will hope to further establish our rich history as FA Cup giant-killers.
Ticket Information
Reduced ticket prices for Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Gateshead FC are as follows:
£15 – Adults
£10 – Concessions (Over 65 / Students / NHS)
£5 – Junior (12-18)
£2 – Under-12s
Tickets can be purchased both online and on the gates as usual. It will be cash only on the turnstiles but we advise supporters to buy their tickets online to save queueing times. In addition, online sales help us plan the matchday and enable us to be as efficient as possible in ensuring a good matchday experience for everybody.
As is standard in The FA Cup, your season tickets are not valid for this fixture so all tickets must be purchased.
Additionally, we are also delighted to announce a special offer on hospitality for this game.
For just £37.50, you can enjoy a pre-match two-course meal along with complementary drinks, a talk from Alty manager Phil Parkinson, and a match programme as well as access to a half-time cash bar. For under-16’s, use the code Hospitality_Child for a 50% discount.
Matchday Information
Turnstiles will open at 1.30pm.
Please note, all supporters will be searched with a metal detector on entry to the stadium for your own safety.
Full food menu is available in all three food outlets offering a wide range of options to home and away fans, and you can check out the offering below. Hospitality is still available for purchase here!
The bar in the CSH will be available and the VP Lounge for our LoyAlty VIP and Elite members.
For wheelchair or pushchair access please enter gate 5 and you will be looked after.
Parking is street only.
The limited edition matchday programme will be available to purchase around the stadium and the club shop will be open. Alternatively, you can buy your copy here.
And last but not least …
We sincerely hope that both sets of fans enjoy the game!
