Battle of two in-form teams as Robins go head-to-head with the Heed
Preview by Joe Brayne
Picture by Jonathan Moore
Altrincham travel to face Vanarama National League play-off contenders Gateshead this Saturday (3pm kick-off) as we aim to extend our extraordinary winning streak to five games.
The Robins are a rejuvenated force one year on from our bitter Emirates FA Cup replay defeat at the Gateshead International Stadium. We will approach the weekend’s clash with immense confidence, having netted 11 goals while conceding just three in our last four matches.
Chris Conn-Clarke, a consistent stand-out, once again sparkled at The J. Davidson Stadium on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman’s ferocious strike from outside the box opened the scoring against Aldershot Town.
Credit is due to the Shots for their tireless efforts, managing to level the score in the 72nd minute. However, Alex Newby, on loan from Colchester United, swiftly restored Alty’s lead just five minutes later, sealing the win.
Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson is delighted with the club’s ongoing progress, both on and off the pitch.
“We are getting something right in terms of the lads that we are recruiting and the system that we play,” he said. “As long as we continue in that vein then hopefully this upward trajectory will continue.”
Manager’s Views
Phil Parkinson spoke with AltyTV following our 2-1 home victory over Aldershot.
About the Opposition
The Heed represent the most explosive attacking force in the National League this season.
Boasting the best goal difference in the division (+17), Gateshead have amassed 34 goals in their 14 matches.
Notable shut-out scorelines include a home 3-0 victory against Maidenhead United and away victories of 6-0 against Eastleigh and 4-0 against Oxford City.
The linchpin of the Gateshead powerhouse is in-form former Alty striker Marcus Dinanga. The 26-year-old has played sensationally, scored 12 goals this season, with six of those coming in his last five matches.
With just one point separating Gateshead and Altrincham in the league table, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown. The Heed may have stumbled to a late 3-1 defeat at Bromley last Saturday, but with both teams committed to attacking football, Saturday’s clash promises an open-ended thriller.
Recent Meetings
Vanarama National League
Altrincham 0-1 Gateshead, 10th April 2023
Gateshead 1-3 Altrincham, 4th October 2022
(Chris Conn-Clarke 12, Marcus Dinanga 32, Dan Malone 70)
FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round
Altrincham 2-2 Gateshead, 15th October 2022
(Chris Conn-Clarke 9, Marcus Dinanga 72)
Gateshead 2-1 Altrincham, 18th October 2022 (replay)
(Marcus Dinanga 46)
Ticket Information
Travelling fans will have use of a section in the Tyne and Wear Stand –via turnstiles 1-2. Away fans can purchase online here: https://gatesheadfc.seatlab.com
£20 - Adults
£15 - Concessions (65+, Blue light/Armed Forces, veteran and serving)
£10 - Students (17-21)
£5 - Youths (15-16)
Free for under 14s with paying adult (Proof of age could well be requested) and also free for carers with a full paying spectator needing care assistance.
Travel and Matchday Information
Turnstiles 1-2 in the Tyne and Wear Stand will open at 1.30pm for Saturday’s fixture.
Tickets can be bought on the day at the turnstiles with card or cash, however fans are advised to avoid matchday queues at the ground.
Free parking is available on a first come, first served basis in the car parks at the stadium. There is additional public parking that is signposted and available near to the stadium.
Fans travelling by train can use Newcastle’s metro system. There is a metro stop called ‘Gateshead Stadium’ which is a 10-minute walk from Gateshead International Stadium.
No alcohol is served in the away end, but hot food options are available in and around the ground.
Match Coverage
Radio Robins is broadcasting live commentary on RadioAlty.
Join Brian Flynn, Mark Simpson and Frankie Griffiths from 2.45pm.
Listen live on RadioAlty: https://streams.radio.co/s4d51ef3bf/listen
Listen live on RadioAlty: https://www.radioalty.co.uk/listen.html
And last but not least…
We sincerely hope that both sets of fans enjoy the game.
