After a hectic Christmas schedule there is little let-up for Sutton with one of the club’s longest journeys in the Vanarama National League to Gateshead at the International Stadium (travel details here).

The sides met at the Knights Community Stadium in September, drawing 1-1 as Danny Johnson and Simon Walton traded first half penalties. That was one of eleven draws that Gateshead have had this season, with all of their last four games ending all square, a Christmas/New Year double header against Hartlepool following 1-1 results at Torquay and Solihull. Their last league victory came in the middle of November but was an impressive one, Richard Peniket’s late goal inflicting what was Tranmere’s last defeat until their New Year’s Day thumping at Fylde. Gateshead have also beaten leaders Macclesfield on Tyneside this season, and currently lie in 17th place although with games in hand over everyone except Fylde.

Sutton will welcome Harry Beautyman back to the squad after his signing from Stevenage this week while Owen Evans will deputise for the injured Jamie Butler. Indeed both sides may have goalkeeping problems with James Montgomery having injured a hand in Wednesday’s Durham County Cup defeat against Shildon, although Dan Hanford, whose brilliant last minute save denied Craig Eastmond a winner at the KCS in September, has been keeping him out of the National League side in recent weeks. JJ O’Donnell was also injured on Wednesday but Fraser Kerr may be available again after injury.

For those not travelling to Tyneside we will have commentary on our Mixlr channel, while Sutton Common Rovers entertain Guildford City in a Combined Counties League game at the Knights Community Stadium.