In many ways, Gateshead FC are the model that FC Halifax Town will hope to follow in the next couple of seasons.

The Tynesiders recently achieved back-to-back promotions from what is now the Evo-Stick Premier Division, and now find themselves in the highest echelon of non-league football.

Their first season at that level was a tricky one though, with survival only clinched on the final day of the season on goal difference.

However, their move to being a full-time operation in the summer represents real ambition to end their 50-year exile from the Football League.

Their current squad features three former Shaymen, all of whom signed for the North-Easterners over the summer. Striker Jonny Allen scored just once during his 14 games in West Yorkshire, Craig Nelthorpe played seven times on loan at The Shay in 2008, scoring twice, while Jon Shaw scored 20 goals in 37 appearances in the 2007/08 campaign after signing from Burton Albion and won the Supporters Club Player of the Year Award.

Manager Ian Bogie is best known for his playing spell with Port Vale during the 90's, but has carved out a growing reputation as a manager in the non-league game during his first managerial role.

Gateshead have already played seven games in their pre-season, winning against Spennymoor and Harrogate Town but losing to Middlesbrough, Workington, Morton, Sunderland and Newcastle.

Halifax's warm-up to the new campaign has seen them go undefeated so far against Brighouse Town, Droylsden and Hyde. However, this match promises to be their sternest test yet.

The likes of James Dean, Jamie Vardy and Nathan Taylor are all doubtful for Tuesday night's game, but the rest of the squad should get a good workout as Town step up their preparations for the new season.

To see if they can maintain their unbeaten record, be at The Shay for Tuesday night's 7.45pm kick-off. If you can't make it to the match though, the official FC Halifax Town website will be providing regular updates on all the night's action.

Tom Scargill