Match Preview: Jack McGraghan

Gateshead make the brief journey across the borough to face neighbours Dunston UTS on Friday, July 21 (7:30pm kick off).

The Heed will contest their second game of the day at the UTS Stadium, with a number of first team players involved in a behind-closed-doors fixture against Middlesbrough U21s at Rockliffe Park earlier in the afternoon.

Dunston find themselves under new management ahead of the 2023/24 Northern Premier League East campaign, with former assistant manager Jon McDonald taking the reins in May.

The hosts missed out on a play-off place by just three points last season and could name former Gateshead favourites Craig Baxter and Phil Turnbull in their line-up – the latter of whom was named the club’s player of the season last term.

Dunston played their first home fixture of pre-season against National League South side Dartford last Friday, earning a 2-2 draw thanks to two late goals.

McDonald’s side kick off their league season one week after the National League gets underway, hosting Bridlington Town on Saturday, August 12.

Heed View

“The whole idea is we can get 90 minutes into a lot of our players who haven’t had it yet,” said assistant manager, Ian Watson.

“You want two or three full games into boys before the season starts, but it’s also about making sure everyone understands what we’re asking them to do.

“Our concepts and our principles should be the same from minute one to minute two, so it’s a good test for us to look at that with boys getting 90 minutes.”

Team News

A mixture of first team players and academy youngsters will be involved at the UTS Stadium, with the first team squad split between both fixtures against Middlesbrough U21s and Dunston.

Ticketing Information

Tickets will be sold on the gate at The UTS Stadium, with admission priced at:

Adult: £6

Concession/U18: £4