Cranston urges Heed to build on Guiseley win

[FF News]

Jordan Cranston is hopeful that Gateshead can begin the New Year on a winning note as they look to close the gap on the Vanarama National League’s leading pack.

The Tynesiders welcome Barrow to the International Stadium on Saturday, fresh from a morale-boosting win over Guiseley on home soil.

That victory took Neil Aspin’s side back to within six points of a play-off spot, with two games in hand on fifth-placed Dover Athletic.

The Bluebirds, meanwhile, were beaten for the first time under new boss Paul Cox on Monday, going down 2-1 at in-form Southport.

For Gateshead, Saturday’s clash is the first of three in succession against sides in the bottom-eight, but – such is the competitiveness of the division – Cranston insists that even those currently placed below the Heed will be looking up as the festive period draws to a close.

The 22-year-old was pleased to register a convincing victory two days ago, and is hopeful he and his teammates can pick up where they left off come the weekend.

He said: “We’ve had a tough Christmas break. We had the Barrow game called off, which we didn’t want, because after the loss to Woking we needed that next game to come around as quick as possible.

“We did well against Guiseley. The gaffer told us what he wanted from us, and we took his ideas on board.

“I think you could tell that, and we came out with a good result.

“We really turned up. We needed to get it back into our heads that we can do well, and that we’re capable of pushing on for a play-off place.

“It’s nice to keep a clean sheet, as well. Not just for the back-four and Russla, but for the team as a whole, because everybody comes together to get that clean sheet.

“After eight games this season we were flying. We took a dip in form, which happens, but hopefully now we can start turning that back around.

“At home, we need to start doing what we’ve been doing away.

“It’s a tough division, and any team can get promoted from it.

"Even in the bottom-half, you’re only four wins away from being in the top-five or top-six.

“Hopefully we can get a good week’s training under our belts now, and come back on Saturday and get another three points on board.”

Source: www.gateshead-fc.com

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