After a thorough examination against Spennymoor Town on
Tuesday evening, Dave Challinor's Hartlepool United travel to Gateshead
International Stadium in their penultimate pre-season friendly. They'll expect
tough opposition from the Tynesiders who have been bolstering their squad ahead
of the Vanarama National League North season.The Opposition
Gateshead come into the fixture following a lengthier
pre-season. The Tynesiders have played Hebburn, Billingham FC, Dunston UTS, and
Ashington, defeating all four teams in the process.They're led by former Newcastle United centre-back Mike
Williamson and feature a Pools link in 26-year-old forward Adam Campbell. The striker
played on loan for Pools during 2014 before his first spell at the GIS. In the
summer, they've signed Robbie Tinkler and a host of other players, further underlining
their ambition to return to the National League.The History
This will be the eighth meeting between the two sides. In
the past, it's been fairly even. In competitive fixtures, each team has won a
game each and two have ended in a draw. In friendlies, Pools have won twice and
lost once. Most recently, Pools defeated Gateshead at the Vic after goals from
Liam Noble and Paddy McLaughlin.Team News
Following his signing on Wednesday, Fela Olomola is in
contention to start as a named squad player against the Heed. He's the only senior
striker in the side, though Joe Grey is returning to fitness and other
trialists may feature. Trialist #9 pulled up with a hamstring injury, so may be
a doubt for this weekend's fixture.Otherwise, all of the signed-on players are available for
selection, including Jamie Sterry. The marauding right-back sat out Tuesday
night's game as a precaution.Watch, Listen, and Follow
There is no live stream available for the game, but Mixlr commentary will be broadcast as usual with Alex Chandy and Robbie Stelling. Twitter will also post live updates from the match.
https://mixlr.com/hartlepool-united/
Information for Fans
The ticket office AT GATESHEAD will be manned from 1pm until 7pm for both home and away supporters to purchase tickets for pre-season friendlies against Hartlepool United. If they have been unable to do so online or prefer to purchase in person.
Supporters will be able to select their seats and receive either a printed ticket or an emailed copy that must be used on match day to enter Gateshead International Stadium.
Supporters who plan to visit the ticket office on Friday are advised to pay via card and adhere to social distancing measures whilst in the queue.
Please note that there will be no ticket sales on the gate for these two fixtures.