NLN | Brackley looking to extend lead at top of table with trip to Gateshead

Having played catch-up for much of the campaign, Brackley Town will head to Gateshead knowing a win will take them four points clear at the top of the National League North on Saturday afternoon.

By Amos Murphy

Brackley Town players celebrate going top of the table - Credit: Credit: Glenn Alcock Photography

Brackley bouncing to top of National League North

With fellow title challengers AFC Fylde occupied by FA Trophy action, Brackley Town will have the chance to extend their advantage at the summit of the National League North when they make the lengthy 480 miles round trip to Gateshead.

Capitalising on Fylde’s slip-up away to Darlington last weekend, Brackley steered into pole position with their slender 1-0 victory at home to Guiseley – a result that ended a run of two victories at St James Park without a win.

After spending much of the campaign chasing Fylde in first place, Brackley will have the opportunity to use this weekend’s game in hand over the Lancashire club to pull clear of the side currently in second, but opponents Gateshead have promotion ambitions of their own.

Gateshead looking to keep pace with Brackley boys

No side has taken more points from the last 10 National League North games than Gateshead, with the North East club hot on the heels of both Brackley and Fylde.

Starting the weekend in third, promotion to the National League is currently in Gateshead’s hands, as the Tynesiders would take top spot themselves, should they win their games in hand.

Mike Williamson’s side sit five points behind Brackley at the beginning of play, but they do boast a healthy two games in hand over the Northamptonshire club, not including Saturday’s clash.

Gateshead vs Brackley odds and predicitions

History suggests it could be a difficult afternoon for Brackley, who have never beaten Gateshead, and they start the weekend at 6/4 to take the three points.

Similarly, Betfred have also priced Gateshead at 6/4 to take the win, against a side they have not lost any of their previous three matches against.

In the run-up. to Christmas, this clash looks set to be a cracker and both teams to score at 4/6 could prove the most sensible bet