Match Preview: Gateshead FC Supporters Society

Next up ‘On the Road’ for the Heed is a 596-mile round trip to Essex, where we face Southend United at Roots Hall on Tuesday evening (7:45pm kick-off).

The Shrimpers come into this game just outside the Enterprise National League Play-Off positions occupying 8th place following their 2-2 draw with Carlisle United on Saturday. Southend are two points adrift of 7th placed FC Halifax Town, although they have four games in hand on The Shaymen.  

Southend have one familiar face in their squad, with former Heed shot-stopper Owen Mason on loan at The Shrimpers from Mansfield Town.   

We’ve Met Before

In the most recent meeting between these two sides, Southend returned to Essex with all three points on the opening day of the 2025/26 season. Sam Austin got The Shrimpers off to the perfect start after three minutes, before two goals in three second half minutes from Josh Walker and Charley Kendall sealed a comfortable 3-0 win.  

Prior to that meeting earlier this season, Gateshead were unbeaten in their last four games against The Shrimpers.   

Travel & Ticketing Information

Roots Hall is located just to the North West of the City Centre and is a short walk from Prittlewell, Southend Victoria, Southend Central and Westcliff railway stations.  

If you’re heading down by rail, our recommended route is to catch a train from Newcastle to London Kings Cross (LNER or Lumo), then change to a Greater Anglia service from London Liverpool Street to Prittlewell or Southend Victoria. Alternatively, you can catch a c2c service from Fenchurch Street to Westcliff or Southend Central.  

If you’re driving, from the M25 exit at Junction 29 and follow the A127 towards Southend-on-Sea. Follow the A127 for roughly 20 miles, until you reach Victoria Avenue in Southend. Continue along Victoria Avenue, and you’ll see Roots Hall on your right-hand-side after around 1 mile.  

There is no matchday parking at Roots Hall, there is VERY limited on-street car parking around the stadium, but please be aware of local parking restrictions. Pay and Display car parking is available at Southend Council Car Park and University Square Car Park. 

Gateshead fans are housed in the Solopress North Bank Stand, Block NF – turnstiles open 90 minutes prior to kick off. Tickets can be purchased online here, and are priced as follows.  

Adult: £23

Senior (62+): £18

Young Adult (17-22): £18 

Junior (9-16): £12 

Child (8 and Under): £8 

If you prefer to purchase your ticket in person, you can visit the Box Office, located just off Victoria Avenue, near the Club Shop, where you can purchase tickets from 10am until before kick-off. Please note that tickets purchased on the day will incur a £2 increase in price.  

Bars & Pubs

There is a small kiosk inside the away stand at Roots Hall selling hot and cold food and beverages, please note that this kiosk does not serve alcohol.  

Most bars and pubs surrounding Roots Hall are designated ‘home fan only’. 

The Last Post, JD Wetherspoon – The Last Post, Weston Road, SS1 1AS. Tel: 01702 431682. 

Olde Trout Tavern – 56 London Road, SS1 1XN. Tel: 01702 337000