Gateshead

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Forest Green v Gateshead

Forest Green Rovers may have the edge on Gateshead this Saturday as the two sides prepare for their first Blue Square Premier match since 2009.

Rovers have not played since their 0-0 draw with Tamworth on December 28 - a result that lifted them to within two points of Gateshead, who are in 19th place, with 22 points from their 25 games, while The Tynesiders' last match was a 3-3 draw with Barrow.

Forest Green, however, have managed to keep fit by utilising Hartpury College's indoor facilities with midfielder Jonathan Smith admitting it could make a significant difference to the two teams' performances.

Smith told This is Gloucestershire: "It's been a difficult time getting to training, especially for the lads based up north like myself, but we're very lucky to have Hartpury.

"I know a lot of clubs have struggled to train at all because of the snow, whereas we have managed to stay sharp as a squad."

Forest Green will welcome back a number of players, that had been struggling with injuries including Mark Preece, Curtis McDonald and Tomi Ameobi.

Steve Davies remains a doubt while striker Andy Mangan is expected to make his first appearance since completing a five-month ban.

Central defender Lee Ayres is out for eight weeks after undergoing a groin operation along with midfielder Jonathan Smith, who is suspended.

Gateshead welcome the use of new signing Daryl Clare after joining from Mansfield on a free transfer while defender Chris Swailes is a doubt with a back injury.