Gateshead look to reach season target

Battling Gateshead could reach their season target this weekend – if they can cause a shock against Oldham.

Coach Chris Hood said: “As ever, we’re just working hard and being honest. We’ve set ourselves a target of getting back to zero points, and that’s what we’re aiming for.

“Considering where we’ve come from, that would be a brilliant achievement for the club.

“We’ve got some big games coming up where we can affect what happens in Co-operative Championship One. We’ve still got our goals, and we’re working towards them.”

Thunder trio Matt Barron (dead leg), David Cash (concussion) and Chris Parker (ankle) are all struggling after missing Tuesday’s training session.

Oldham are without Luke Sutton (knee) as they prepare for their first game in three weeks.

Coach Tony Benson said: “The important thing is that we maintain what we were doing well before this break. We need to pick up where we left off.

“Last time we played Gateshead I was quite worried about them. They look like a really good team and they have periods of very good play. It’s just a case of us maintaining our game for 80 minutes.”