Preview | Gateshead (A)

Preview | Gateshead (A)
A look at 'The Heed'

February 27th 2026Ben Brown

Forest Green Rovers travel to the North East of England on Saturday afternoon to take on Gateshead in the National League.

Rovers will be looking to get back to winning ways after a 3-2 defeat to Boston United on Tuesday night.

Second-half goals from Harvey Bunker and Tom Knowles were not enough for Robbie Savage’s side to get anything from the game.

Ahead of tomorrow’s clash, here is everything you need to know about our opponents.

The Opposition: Gateshead

Nickname: ‘The Tynesiders’

League Position: 23rd

Gateshead have had a disappointing National League campaign to date, currently sitting 23rd in the National League table. They had a solid opening month, winning three of their six games in August. Another two wins in September had the club in a comfortable mid-table position before a dreadful run of form saw the Tynesiders drop down into the relegation zone. In 16 league games, the club went without a victory, a run stretching over four and a half months.

They are currently on a three-match unbeaten run since ending that streak, with wins over Halifax and Truro alongside a 4-4 draw with Morecambe in their most recent fixture. The two sides met back in November, with Rovers picking up all three points at The New Lawn. First-half goals from Jili Buyabu, Temi Babalola and Jayden Clarke put Rovers in a commanding position at the break before a 95th-minute consolation from the visitors.

The Manager: Rob Elliot

Rob Elliot is back for his second spell in charge of Gateshead. Elliot was re-appointed as Manager of the Tynesiders at the start of January, after former boss Alun Armstrong was sacked after an 11-game losing run across all competitions.

Since returning, the former Newcastle keeper has ended that run, and the club has moved off the foot of the table.

They are still nine points off safety, but have games in hand over other teams around them.

Elliot will be hoping his side can continue moving in the right direction and pick up some more much-needed points.

Player To Watch: Harry Chapman

Harry Chapman is a player who has been a main contributor to Gateshead’s recent form.

Chapman scored a brace away at Truro last Saturday to help his side to a 2-1 victory against their fellow league strugglers. The 28-year-old joined the club last Summer from Barnet after a title-winning campaign with the Bees.

The winger also played for England at the youth level, for both the U18S and U20S. Now back in the starting eleven, Rovers will need to remain aware of Chapman in and around the box.