Gateshead v Boreham Wood
Saturday 17th September 2022, 3.00pm
Gateshead International Stadium, National League
THE CONTEXT
The Wood face the long trip up north to take on newly promoted Gateshead, looking to make it three wins in a row.
The Tynesiders have found life back in the National League difficult early on, taking seven games to record their first and only victory of the season so far.
Wood will be keen to keep up their 100% record on the road, and could jump to the top of the league with another win.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
“THE DESTROYER”
OWEN BAILEY
A Newcastle United academy product, Owen Bailey appeared for the Magpies Under-23 side in the Premier League 2 throughout the 2020/21 season, after captaining the team to the 2019 Premier League 2 Division Two play-off final and Premier League Cup final. He departed St James Park and made the short journey to Gateshead, signing a one-year deal following a successful trial. The defensive-minded midfielder showed versatility in his debut season and became a key member of the Heed’s team, both in defence and midfield, making 49 appearances in their title-winning campaign.
“THE PLAYMAKER”
GREG OLLEY
Born in Durham, attacking midfielder Greg Olley began his career at local club Newcastle United before a move to Hull City saw make his senior debut after just a year in the youth team, but departed at the end of the 2017/18 season. He would return to the North-East when he joined National League outfit Gateshead and has become a regular fixture in the centre of the park for the Tynesiders, being instrumental in their promotion back to the National League after three seasons away following their relegation at the end of his debut season. After being named captain ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, he recorded 28 assists as the club topped the division and would be named in the National League North Team of the Season, and is the club’s longest-serving player with over 100 appearances to his name.
“THE FINISHER”
ADAM CAMPBELL
North Shields-born forward Adam Campbell was spotted by Newcastle United whilst playing for Wallsend Boys Club and became the youngest player to feature for the Magpies in European competitions when he made his competitive debut in a Europa League tie with Greek side Atromitos, aged just 17. He also featured in the Premier League, before leaving for a number of loan spells that saw him join Carlisle United, St Mirren, Fleetwood Town, Hartlepool United and Gateshead. After departing St James Park permanently in July 2015, Campbell enjoyed spells at Notts County and Morecambe before a temporary return to Carlisle preceded a return to the North-East, spending two years at Darlington before re-joining Gateshead permanently. The hard-working forward recorded 14 goals and 12 assists as the club won the National League North, earning promotion back to the National League.
LAST TIME WE MET
Gateshead 1-1 Boreham Wood
Saturday 26th January 2019
Gateshead International Stadium, National League
Sean Shields’s first half strike was cancelled out by future Wood man Scott Boden to see the visitors take a point back to Hertfordshire following a hard-fought display in the North-East.
Chances were present for both sides throughout the first half as someone looked to take the advantage, with Keiran Murtagh and Gozie Ugwu looking to test Aynsley Pears for the visitors while Cameron Salkeld and Lewis Maloney threatened for the hosts. The Wood did take the lead on the brink of half time though, with Shields collecting the ball and cutting inside before firing beyond Pears to notch his first goal for the club and reward his side’s dominance.
Gateshead kicked off the second half with an unconvincing long-range effort from Salkeld to get his team back in the game, with Mike Williamson blocking Shields’ strike from the subsequent counter attack. Chances remained few and far between, with Murtagh, Femi Ilesamni and Justin Shaibu going closest for the visitors before Manny Parry blocked Greg Olley’s effort at the other end. The Tynesiders did soon secure their equaliser though, as Boden turned home Olley’s cross after his initial corner was punched clear. It was the hosts who looked the most likely to find a winner, with White’s shot deflecting over via the crossbar after a wonderful team move. Boden nearly notched a second before Steven Rigg had two chances in quick succession that went amiss, and there was just enough time for Murtagh to strike the crossbar from a Sorba Thomas cross before the referee brought an end to proceedings.
HOW TO WATCH
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