This has all the makings of the weekend’s most entertaining clash, with two free-scoring sides in Gateshead and Aldershot meeting at in the North East.
Gateshead’s season has already been a rollercoaster: a 3-0 defeat at home to Southend, a 2-0 win at Eastleigh, then a heavy 4-0 loss at Rochdale before bouncing back with consecutive victories – 2-1 over Tamworth and a dramatic 4-3 win at Yeovil, where they overturned a 3-0 half-time deficit.
Off-the-pitch was a concern for the Head faithful after budget cuts after another unsuccessful promotion charge. Alun Armstrong was appointed in the summer, bringing with him a wealth of experience managing in the North-East after spells at Blyth Spartans and Darlington.
Kain Adom was priorly used as a wing back, but has excelled in a more attacking position under Armstrong. The attacking impetus had been missing since the departure of Greg Olley to York, but the 23-year-old has stepped up with three goals in five.
Aldershot’s campaign has followed a similar theme of goals. They opened with back-to-back-to-back 3-2 defeats, but since then have found their stride, thrashing Solihull Moors 5-1 and dismantling Morecambe 4-0.
This exact fixture ended 2-2 last season, and with both teams showing attacking firepower and defensive vulnerabilities – and a similarly high-scoring encounter looks likely.
One player who stands out in the markets is Ryan Hill. Already joint second-top scorer in the league with four goals, and on penalty duty, he looks great value to find the net.
Best Bets:
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals @1.80
Ryan Hill To Score @5.5
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