GATESHEAD play a Football League club at home in the FA Cup for the first time in three decades – and manager Ian Bogie hopes his own cup pedigree will rub off on his charges against League One Brentford today.
Bogie was a key component of the Port Vale side that drew at Arsenal, Everton and Leeds United during the 1990s.
The midfielder scored in both games against the Toffees, the second a 2-1 win at Vale Park, but missed a penalty in a shoot-out in a replay against Arsenal.
As a fledgling manager Bogie has piloted Gateshead through consecutive promotions to the top table of the non-league game in England, the Blue Square Premier.
“I had some great moments in the FA Cup as a player and it would be great to have another one as a manager,” said Bogie.
“We have achieved an awful lot over the past two years and after the announcement about the new stadium and going fulltime next season, beating Brentford would be the icing on the cake.
“It will be a tough game as they are League Two champions and plying their trade two leagues above us, but this is the FA Cup.
“They haven’t been the best on their travels in League One this season and certainly won’t relish the prospect of a long trip to Gateshead, especially as they were knocked out of the FA Cup at Barrow last season.”
After a poor start to life in the Conference Premier Gateshead have picked up, winning three of their last four games while conceding just one goal.
“I would like to think we have turned the corner but there is a lot of hard work to do,” added Bogie.
“The FA Cup is a welcome distraction and we will be going all out to cause an upset.”
The Tynesiders have a blend of youth and experience in their ranks with former Sunderland defender Darren Williams expected to recover from a back injury.
On loan pair Daryl Clare and Peter Winn have both been cleared to play but Hartlepool United striker Michael Mackay will not be allowed to be cup-tied.
Brentford have former Newcastle United £7 million flop Carl Cort leading an attack that has scored only five goals in eight away games.
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