Bitesize Prediction: Gateshead vs Hartlepool – 26/03/24

Competition: National League

Market: Gateshead win

Odds: 3/4 @ 1xBet

Desperate to shore up their spot in the National League play-off chase, Gateshead will host Hartlepool on Tuesday night.

Starting with the hosts, only continuing to gain a string of plaudits from across the National League this season, Gateshead are sat in the driving seat to punch a shock play-off ticket in 2024. With the mood in their camp at a real high, the Tynesiders will know the importance of making another statement here. Putting in an action-packed performance over the weekend as they secured a 3-2 victory away at Altrincham, interim boss Rib Elliot should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Punching their spot in the semi-finals of this year’s FA Trophy earlier in the month as they secured another 3-2 win against Peterborough Sports, Hartlepool have won three of their previous four showdowns across all competitions. With their recent purple patch underlined by a gritty 1-0 win against Dagenham & Redbridge on March 12th, Tuesday’s hosts will also be excited by their recent success in front of their own supporters. It should be highlighted, Elliot’s squad have suffered just a single defeat from any of their last eight appearances at the Gateshead International Stadium – a run that stems all the way back to December 16th.

As for the visitors, although Hartlepool might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with their sights set on securing an immediate League Two return, the Stags have endured a fifth-tier struggle this season. Last seen over the weekend settling for a 1-1 stalemate away at Eastleigh, Kevin Phillips’ men are still scrapping it out in the bottom-half of the table. Largely crashing back down to earth following their bright start to the New Year, Tuesday’s guests have failed to win any of their previous four straight National League appearances. Getting March underway with a 2-1 loss at home against promotion contenders Barnet, the one-time Sunderland striker has also seen his inconsistent squad muster just a pair of National League victories away from Victoria Park since back on November 18th. Likewise, registering just a single fifth-tier clean sheet from any of their last 10 straight outings, Hartlepool could face a stern examination here. Given the recent gulf in class between Tuesday’s opponents, we are backing a home victory in midweek.

Bet: Gateshead 3/4 to beat Hartlepool in Tuesday’s National League battle @ 1xBet