The Gateshead International Stadium is the scene for the other Skrill Premier Semi-Final second leg between Gateshead and Grimsby Town.
Only Grimsby out of this yearโs four conference semi-finalists featured in last yearโs play-offs, as the Mariners, succumbed to defeat against eventual winners Newport County, after the South Wales club triumphed 2-0 on aggregate over the two legs.
Last term by contrast Gateshead languished precariously above the relegation zone by avoiding the drop by a mere five points and finished a staggering 12 places and 25 points from the final play-off place.
However under Gary Mills tutelage, who assumed managerial control of the Tyne and Wear club in September 2013. The Tynesiders have propelled up the table and enter the contests with Grimsby on the back of a 12 match unbeaten run, having last tasted defeat away at Welling United two months ago.
Their counterparts have seemingly limped to securing a play-off birth after only winning two of their last six league matches, which includes a defeat to FC Halifax Town at Blundell Park.
Nonetheless Town go into the 1st leg tie with the psychological upper hand having won at Gateshead in their first away game of the campaign. At the turn of 2014 both sides shared the spoils after playing out a compelling 2-2 draw in North-East Lincolnshire.
The second leg between these two outfits will get underway this Sunday afternoon after the conclusion of FC Halifaxโs play-off semi-final with Cambridge United at the R Costingโs Abbey Stadium.
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