There’s still work to do, says Aspin
GATESHEAD manager Neil Aspin wants more from his players when they take on a Newcastle United XI at the International Stadium tomorrow.
The Heed are unbeaten in pre-season, but after opening with three wins have drawn the last two at South Shields and Whitby Town.
While results are secondary to performance, both individual and collective, Aspin hasn’t been happy with the last two displays.
Aspin said: “We still need to do a lot better, and we’ll get tested over the final pre-season games.”
After the clash with Peter Beardsley’s young Magpies, Gateshead host Darlington on Wednesday before travelling to Harrogate Town.
The Heed were set for a fourth warm-up win at Whitby in midweek until they conceded a last-minute goal from a set-play.
“By the end of the match at Whitby we had a very young side out, but that isn’t an excuse to concede from a late corner,” added Aspin.
“I’m pleased with some aspects, but there are still many areas we need to improve.
“Newcastle will have a talented side out and we have to up our level in our remaining friendly matches.”
Blyth Spartans host Middlesbrough Under-23s at Croft Park, with former Blyth striker Luke Armstrong likely to lead the Boro attack.
That will provide an interesting afternoon for Blyth boss Alun Armstrong – the striker’s father.
Armstrong senior said: “I obviously want Luke to do well at Middlesbrough, and it will be interesting to see how he fares against his former team-mates.
“But my priority is Blyth Spartans. It was a good win against a Sunderland XI on Tuesday and I want to go into the season with a winning mentality.”