On Wednesday, Gateshead will play host to Aldershot Town in the penultimate game of the 2023-24 National League season.
The hosts currently occupy sixth place in the league table, while the visitors will head into the game in ninth position
Match preview
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Gateshead bounced back from consecutive away defeats to claim a narrow victory in Monday's home match against champions Chesterfield.
Luke Hannant scored two first-half penalties to put Gateshead in the driving seat, before Joe Quigley halved the deficit on the hour mark to give Chesterfield a foothold.
However, Rob Elliot's side ultimately saw out the remainder of the contest to claim all three points and secure their place in the National League playoffs for the first time in 10 years.
Although they are guaranteed a top-seven finish, Gateshead still have the chance to move up the table in their final two matches against Aldershot and Bromley.
The Heed will be happy with the fact that their final two matches are taking place at home, having won each of their previous six competitive home games.
After beginning March with three consecutive victories, Aldershot were sitting in fifth place and seemingly on course to secure a playoff spot.
However, they have since experienced a miserable run of results, having seen their last six matches produce two draws and four defeats.
The Shots lost 2-0 in their most recent away game against Hartlepool United, before they fell to a heavy 3-0 defeat in Saturday's home meeting with Boreham Wood.
As a result of their poor form, Aldershot are now one point adrift of seventh-placed Halifax Town, who have one game in hand.
With Wednesday's visitors in need of some inspiration, they may be able to take confidence from the fact that they claimed a 2-0 victory in their last trip to the Gateshead International Stadium in December 2022.
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Team News
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Having had less than 48 hours to prepare, Elliot may decide to make a few changes to his Gateshead side for Wednesday's contest.
Ben Worman, Callum Whelan and Joe Grayson are among those who could be presented with a place in the starting lineup.
Aldershot boss Tommy Widdrington could be tempted to recall Sutton United loanee James Daly for Tuesday's home fixture.
Josh Barrett may be considered for a starting spot after coming off the bench to play over half an hour against Boreham Wood.
Swiss forward Lorent Tolaj will offer one of Aldershot's main attacking threats, having scored 18 goals in 41 league appearances this season.
Gateshead possible starting lineup:
Harness; Richardson, Storey, Grayson; Adom, Booty, Francis, Whelan; Worman, Evans; Brown
Aldershot Town possible starting lineup:
Van Stappershoef; Mnoga, Harris, Harfield; Glover, Widdrington, Stokes, Frost, Barrett; Tolaj, Daly
We say: Gateshead 2-1 Aldershot Town
Although they are having to cope with a short turnaround, we think that Gateshead will continue their six-game winning home in all competitions against an Aldershot side that has lost each of their last three matches.
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