Gateshead will host Northern Premier League West club Stafford Rangers in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round on Saturday afternoon.

Caretaker manager Ben Clark has warned Gateshead they must ‘be at their best’ if they are to avoid an FA Cup shock against Stafford Rangers and secure a place in Monday’s first round draw.

The Heed are struggling for form after losing ten of their last eleven league games and they now lie eight points from safety in the National League - but there will be some relief as they turn their focus towards their bid to reach the first round proper of the FA Cup once again on Saturday. Despite their league struggles, Clark’s side will go into the tie as favourites as they face a Stafford side that are sitting in fourth place in the Northern Premier League West Division table after they suffered a 3-1 defeat at Stalybridge Celtic in midweek.

Ben Clark has signed a new deal with Gateshead (photo Jack McGraghan) | Jack McGraghan

placeholder image — Ben Clark has signed a new deal with Gateshead (photo Jack McGraghan) | Jack McGraghan

With news awaited over a takeover by the US-based Flacks Group and a possible appointment of a new permanent manager, a focus on on-field matters has been a welcome distraction for Clark and his players and a much-improved display in a National League Cup draw with Wolves Under-21s in midweek has offered some positivity ahead of Saturday’s tie.

However, the former Sunderland and Hartlepool United defender was still delivered a stern warning to his squad as they prepare for an awkward test at the International Stadium.

He told the club website: “We love the FA Cup. It’s a competition everyone likes - particularly non-league clubs. We’ve had a good week, we’ve had a good week with the fixture on Tuesday where the lads played well and put in a good performance and we are hoping to build on that. The lads have been great, we are really looking forward to the game. It’s going to be a tough afternoon - but one we are looking forward to.

“It’s massive, it’s massive across every non-league team. It’s very special in terms of the magical third round but you’ve got to beat the teams that are in front of you. We are playing a good side that are doing well in their own league and we have done our due diligence on them and they’re a very good team, very good at what they do and we will have to be at our best to get a result.”

Clark confirmed a slight thigh injury has ruled Alfie McCalmont out of the game and Kyle Ferguson will also miss out but should be in contention for next Friday’s National League home game with Tamworth.

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