Gateshead boss has this message for his squad ahead of Sunderland friendly test

Mike Williamson in action for Gateshead.

The former Newcastle United defender saw his side kick off their preparations for the new National League North season with a 1-1 draw against League Two club Carlisle United on Tuesday night.

Williamson did not feature during the game as he took his place in the dugout alongside assistant manager Ian Watson and assessed the options in his squad.

Defender Elliott Forbes and midfielder Nicky Deverdics both missed the game – but Williamson was able to give game-time to the rest of his squad and a number of trialists.

Former Plymouth Argyle midfielder Max Gilbert struck a second-half equaliser against the Cumbrians and is set to be handed another chance to impress against Sunderland.

Ahead of the game, Williamson warned that his squad has to be ready for a step up in class against Phil Parkinson’s side.

“It’s going to be a step up for the lads on Saturday,” explained the former Magpies centre-back.

“The majority of them got 45 minutes on Tuesday night against Carlisle so the work-load wasn’t too bad for them.

“It was a good work-out for the squad.

“But in terms of the tactical and technical side of the game, Sunderland will be up another notch and we have to be ready for that.

“But it’s another opportunity for us as a squad to relish because we want to test ourselves against strong sides.”

It’s just under a month since Gateshead saw their hopes of making an immediate return to the National League dashed by a play-off semi-final defeat at Boston United.

The Heed squad were given time off to recuperate after that disappointment – but they are now fully focused on preparing to challenge at the top end of the National League North once again this season.

Williamson urged his players to use the anguish of missing out on promotion to motivate them to go one better during the upcoming campaign.

“I took a lot from last season as a whole,” explained the Heed player-manager.

“We will use that, and make sure that we are stronger for it this season.”