Walsall could be set for big FA Cup boost with Gateshead facing major fitness issues
Gateshead manager Alun Armstrong has admitted he is awaiting news on the fitness of several players after a sickness bug ran through his squad ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup second round tie with Walsall.
The National League strugglers have endured a dismal run of form since claiming a shock 2-0 win at League One play-off contenders AFC Wimbledon in the last round and are currently sitting in the relegation zone in non-league football’s top tier.
Since their victory at the Cherry Red Records Stadium last month, the Heed have lost their last five league games, conceding 16 goals and scoring just three in the process.
Their preparations for Sunday’s televised tie with the Saddlers have been severely hampered by a bug that meant a number of players had to sit out last weekend’s defeat at Sutton United and some others have missed training sessions during this week.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Armstrong said: “Nothing is ever straightforward at this football club.
“You always get hit by something, it’s a proper rollercoaster. We’ve had injuries galore and then last Saturday I think I have a really strong squad - and then wake up on the Saturday with six to eight of them really ill.
“Max (Melbourne) came off at half-time because he was being sick so illness has ripped through the squad in recent days.
“It didn’t help they had their Christmas do as well because that has an effect - but some aren’t back in training but there are some back today (Friday).
“It’s a lot better than it was, that’s a certainty.”
Armstrong insisted his side can take some heart from their win at Wimbledon in the previous round as goals from top goalscorer Kain Adom and former Middlesbrough academy midfielder Fenton John gave Gateshead a win few had predicted.
Many onlookers are taking the same view about Sunday’s clash against Mat Salder’s men - but former Ipswich Town striker Armstrong has insisted anything can happen in the FA Cup and that can give his side a chance to spring another shock.
He said: “It’s huge. I think everyone wrote us off (at Wimbledon) and everyone will probably write us off again on Sunday because of the run we’ve been on.
“But I’ve been involved in this before as a player and a manager and anything can happen on that day.
“It’s eleven men against eleven men, one ball, two goals and it’s about whoever comes out on top on that day.
“Sometimes you need that little bit of lady luck and I am quite certain we are due some and it would be nice if we could get that on Sunday.
“But we know we will have to absolutely work our socks off against a very good Walsall side.”
