Glen Robertson takes a look at Darlington's visitors tomorrow...

Form
Gateshead sit level with the Quakers on five points from their opening four matches after a win, two draws and a defeat. That's not where the similarities end between the clubs end as Gateshead have also had the pleasure of playing out a 0-0 draw with Kettering. The Tynesider's solitary victory came away to Barrow, with Martin Brittain scoring twice in a 3-1 win. They drew 1-1 at Forest Green before seeing their unbeaten run end at home to Fleetwood Town during the week as they went down 2-0.

Last season
They were never going to make it three successive promotions, though surviving in their first season in the Blue Square Premier League under their current guise was more important than the previous year's play-off victory. It was a close-run thing, with the Tynesiders avoiding the drop by just three goals. They reached the first round proper of the FA Cup and took Brentford to a replay before succumbing 5-2 to the League One side.

Recent Meetings
The meeting will be the first competitive game between the sides since 1963, when Gateshead beat the Quakers 4-1 in the FA Cup. The last league meeting was back in 1959-60 in the old fourth division, which saw Darlo complete a double with 2-1 and 3-1 victories.

Manager
Ian Bogie
In April 2010, the Newcastle-born manager became Gateshead's first full-time manager in over 50 years. It was ample compensation for masterminding back-to-back promotions and then keeping the Tynesiders in the top-tier of non-league football. The 42-year-old had a widespread playing career, representing Newcastle, Preston, Millwall, Leyton Orient, Port Vale, Kidderminster, Bedlington and Gateshead, making over 300 appearances in the process.

Players to Watch

Martin Brittain
Despite scoring half of Gateshead's goals this season, the winger was dropped for the defeat to Fleetwood. By the time he was introduced his side were trailing 2-0 he was unable to inspire dispirited team-mates. He'll have a point to prove on Saturday. The 25-year-old is rebuilding his career after suffering an horrific injury last season against Hayes and Yeading. He broke his tibia and fibula, resulting in his team-mates failing to complete the fixture due to the shock of witnessing the injury and Gateshead being deducted a point.

Paul Heckingbottom
The 33-year-old ex-Quaker is still as dependable as ever at left-back and will be looking to give a good account of himself in front of his old fans. He made over 100 appearances for Darlo between 1999-2002 before going on to Norwich, Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and Mansfield.

Nathan Fisher
Last year the young striker netted 44 goals for Chester-Le-Street in the Northern League, even as the Cestrains were relegated. After picking up a host of awards for his performances, including player of the year, he was transferred to Gateshead for £3,000.The 21-year-old is expected to make his first start as Bogie tries to find a regular goalscorer in his side.

Team News
James Curtis and Jon Shaw are nearing returns after long-term injuries, and Curtis could be included in the matchday squad. Brittain will return while Fisher should make a full debut.