Match preview and local context
The Gateshead community will turn its attention to the Gateshead International Stadium on Saturday afternoon as the home side welcome Woking in the National League. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 on 15 August, the league fixture marking an early test for the club under a new manager and a chance to arrest a disappointing start to the campaign.
Gateshead began the season with a 3-1 defeat at Altrincham and have seen a mixed set of results during pre-season, registering three defeats and three draws before the opening league match. Those preparations did include a positive result against Premier League neighbours, when Gateshead drew with Newcastle United in a friendly.
New manager, fresh faces
The summer has brought a significant change to the dug-out. Gateshead appointed former Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole as manager, his first role in charge of a senior side. The appointment has already influenced recruitment: Cattermole has added players with links to his former club, including the young right-back Tom Lavery, who joined on a free transfer.
Overall transfer activity has been modest. The club have lost some players over the summer and had limited incoming business, but Cattermole has sought to bolster the squad where possible. One of the additions to watch is Luke Supyk, who arrives with experience from the A-League in New Zealand with Wellington Phoenix and could contribute goal threat for Gateshead.
Woking pose a familiar challenge
Woking travel north seeking to rebound from their opening-day reverse. They were beaten 3-0 by Sutton United at the Laithwaite Community Stadium last weekend. The visitors will recall a highly successful set of meetings with Gateshead last term: Woking claimed an aggregate 8-0 over the two league fixtures, including a 5-0 home victory in which Josh Osude scored twice and Aiden O’Brien also found the net.
Those results will not be lost on the Gateshead dressing room or the supporters, and the encounter gives Cattermole an early barometer of progress as he looks to steady the club and build momentum.
- Fixture: Gateshead v Woking, National League
- Date & kick-off: Saturday 15 August, 15:00
- Venue: Gateshead International Stadium
- Ticket prices: from £7 (under-14s) to £22 (adults)
"Your support would be massively appreciated for the long trip up north!"
What to expect on the day
The club has confirmed that food and drink will be available around the ground. Supporters making the journey are reminded of the kick-off time and the ticketing bands, which include reduced prices for younger fans.
On the pitch, Gateshead will be aiming to blend the new manager's ideas with the existing squad, while Woking will look to continue the confidence carried over from last season’s favourable head-to-head results. The fixture carries significance beyond three points: it is an early opportunity for Cattermole to set a tone for the season and for the club to connect with supporters as they navigate a transitional summer.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opening-day result (Gateshead) | Lost 3-1 at Altrincham |
| Woking opening-day result | Lost 3-0 v Sutton United |
| Pre-season record (Gateshead) | 3 defeats, 3 draws |
For many in Gateshead, the match will be about more than the result. It is an early chance to see how the club responds under a high-profile first-time manager and whether new signings can augment a squad that has faced upheaval over the summer. Local interest will be high, and the outcome could shape momentum as the National League season begins in earnest.
The club and supporters alike will be hoping for an improved showing on Saturday as Gateshead look to begin building a positive run under Cattermole’s stewardship.
