Gateshead v Southend United: take the confidence north, leave the complacency behind
Southend’s unbeaten away start faces another long journey, with Dyer’s attacking options strengthened by the win over Tamworth.
Another week, another long trip north. At least Southend are giving us good reasons to make them.
Seventeen points from eight matches has put The Shrimpers third. Gateshead have four points and sit 23rd, but the table will not score the first goal or win the first challenge for us.
The bench has changed the conversation
Four half-time substitutions helped turn Tamworth from a goalless contest into a 3–1 win. Austin, Twamley, Omochere and Massiah-Edwards all gave Southend something different, with Austin and Omochere scoring.
That gives Dyer an appealing problem: which contributions should earn a start, and which options does he want available later? Omochere has influenced three successive matches, while Austin’s volley against Tamworth added another name to the goalscorers.
Chambers-Parillon’s contribution is becoming especially valuable. Five league goals, including one in each of the last three matches, is a strong return from behind the main striker.
Gateshead need a response
The hosts have one win, one draw and six defeats from eight games. Their only victory was 2–0 against Woking; the latest results were a 4–0 defeat at Forest Green and a 1–0 loss at Kidderminster.
Five goals scored and 14 conceded explain much of their difficult start. They have failed to score in four league fixtures, including three of the last four.
Those numbers offer encouragement, but a struggling team at home still has a reason to start hard and make the visitor uncomfortable. Southend need to be ready for that rather than expect Gateshead to play like a league position.
Gateshead player to watch: Michael Spellman
It would be a mistake to look at Gateshead’s five goals and decide nobody in their side can hurt us. Michael Spellman is a useful reminder why. He arrived in the summer, has been involved in Lee Cattermole’s attack and scored an injury-time equaliser against Solihull earlier this month. Even in a difficult start, he has shown the belief to keep going until the whistle.
We know only too well what a late goal can do to an afternoon. If Spellman gets running at us with the game stretched, I would rather we had already made Gateshead chase shadows than handed them a reason to believe. Keep our shape, do not let the ball bounce around the box and make the quality in our own forward line tell.
Give ourselves a steadier afternoon
Southend have eight points from four away games, with wins at Altrincham and Solihull followed by draws at Woking and Carlisle. Each asked a different question.
We would like more control than at Carlisle and fewer saves required than at Solihull. The width from Daley-Campbell and McAdam can help create space, while Oli Coker offers another midfield option after playing only the closing stages against Tamworth.
Take the confidence. Earn the result.
We should travel believing we can win. Southend’s attacking form and the depth shown on Tuesday justify that confidence.
The important part is earning the right to use it. Start sharply, support the forwards and do not hand Gateshead encouragement through loose possession. If Southend get ahead, keep playing with the same care.
The journey is long enough without coming home wondering whether we took the opposition seriously. Give them respect, then give them a difficult afternoon. Up the Shrimpers.
Our prediction
Gateshead 0–2 Southend United
My score prediction before kick-off.
