Football: Friendly between Newcastle United and Gateshead to kick off Saturday 12.30 p.m.
National League kicks off, but neither Newcastle United nor Gateshead are taking it lightly. Friendly or competitive, a match is a match, and no lackadaisical approach when you clash with your rival. It will be the second successive preseason between Eddie Howe’s boys and Mike Williamson’s men.
Though many players were out of reckoning due to injuries and the team was almost decimated, Heed’s team finished at the middle level of the table. Williamson took his team to Wembley Cup final. They lost to FC Halifax Town in the FA Trophy Final.
Whatever the odds, Magpie’s men will have to fight it out so that they could go back to the basics and lay a solid foundation from where they could kick off another successful season. The friendly match between Newcastle and Gateshead will be held on Saturday, July 15, and will kick off at 12.30 p.m. Nick Pope, Emil Krafth, and Joe Willock are yet to come out of their injuries and get fit, so they will not be considered at all for Saturday’s match.
Ryan Fraser, Jeff Hendrick, and Isaac Hayden are not getting training right now. Former Magpie Academy players Adam Campbell, Greg Olley, and Louis Storey will be on the Gateshead side. Earlier, it was said that the United keeper Rob Elliot may feature in Saturday’s match, but it is most unlikely now.
Newcastle are taking on their National League neighbours in a friendly after a gap of 12 months. Miguel Almiron struck twice and Sean Longstaff, Matt Ritchie, and Joelinton scored a goal each. From Heed’s side, Paul Blackett was the only player to score a goal.
The game is completely sold out, about 7,500 fans will pack the International Stadium and no ticket is available now. Gateshead will have a live stream coverage from 12.20 pm. The
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