Barrow AFC boosted morale last Saturday with a deserved 2-0 victory over Maidenhead United at Holker Street that ended a run of five matches without a win in the National League.

It also meant the Bluebirds have already equalled the tally for home wins of last year’s troubled campaign (four) and they are targeting further success on their own patch tonight.

They’ll be up against a Gateshead side who will be high on confidence themselves, following their excellent 3-0 win at Chesterfield last weekend, during which striker Steve Boden scored twice.

Venue: Holker Street.

Kick-off: 7:45pm.

Referee: Garreth Rhodes.

Last season’s fixture: Barrow AFC 1 (Luke James pen, 18 mins) Gateshead 1 (Jordan Preston, 80 mins) – 20 February 2018.

Head-to-head

There have been 77 competitive meetings between Barrow AFC and Gateshead, with the first fixture between the two being drawn 1-1 at Holker Street in the old Division Three North in October 1928.

The Heed have tended to have the better of things down the years, with AFC winning 21 matches, losing 35, with the other 21 games being drawn.

Gateshead have visited Holker Street on 39 occasions and it’s been very competitive, with Barrow winning 14 games and losing 12, while the other 13 matches have been drawn.

This fixture did produce one astonishing scoreline in May 1934, when Barrow absolutely hammered Gateshead 12-1.

Team news: Barrow should have defender Dan Jones available, despite him taking a blow to his shin last Saturday, while manager Ian Evatt believes forward Jacob Blyth “isn’t far off starting a game.”

Gateshead have virtually a full-fit squad to choose from, with striker Luke Armstrong their only doubt for the game.

Top scorer: Barrow AFC – Tyler Smith (5), Gateshead – Luke Armstrong (5).

Form: Barrow AFC – WDLDLL, Gateshead – WLWLWL.

Betting odds: Barrow AFC win 11/8, draw 9/4, Gateshead win 19/10.

The Mail prediction: 1-0.