The game is of huge significance for Aspin, who was born in Gateshead 43 years ago before going on to have a highly-successful playing career at Leeds United and Port Vale.

However, the game represents a double whammy for Aspin with Gateshead managed by Ian Bogie, close friends with the Town boss following four years together as players at Vale Park.

Newly-promoted Gateshead are off to a flyer and Aspin rates them outside promotion contenders in Blue Square North – but there'll be no favours on Monday afternoon (3pm).

"It's my hometown club and it's always nice to go back there, but he's done a real good job there has Boges," warned Aspin.

"I fancy them as outsiders to do really well and I think they've got a great chance of getting in the play-offs. It will be a hard test for us.

"You've got to give credit where it's due – they are a well- run club who have done well.

"I know a lot of people there and I know they have plans to move, get a new ground and get into the Conference. I wish them well with that but I'm desperate for three points on Monday."

Town also face an important clash tomorrow when they welcome second-bottom Hucknall to Wetherby Road. Aspin's men will be out to bounce back from last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at title favourites Southport.

Aspin was encouraged by the display but bemoaned his side's failure to score, and he admits that factor will kill or crown Town's season.

Forwards Danny Holland (knee) and Richard Marshall (ankle) both came off the bench last weekend but while Marshall should be fine tomorrow, Aspin still rates Holland doubtful.

The pressure is on Town's remaining strikers but the boss won't seek alternatives so early on in the season.

"I don't think three games is long enough and you've got to give players a chance," said Aspin. "But the key to the season is how the forwards do and how many goals they can score.