A win for Brods would lift them eight points clear of Gateshead with only five games remaining. With Ilkley not looking likely to catch the Woodhead men it would almost certainly mean that Gateshead will finish in the bottom two leaving only one more relegation place.

Two points for the Brods would take them to 20 points, a tally that "should" see them safe, although coaches Ian Armitage and Jon Cole will aim to win at least three of their remaining four home games.

Brods were defeated 19-7 at Gateshead earlier in the season but were on the wrong end of several decisions and will fancy beating them at Woodhead.

The Low Fell club was hammered by Durham City on Saturday but is desperate, and will give the Brods a stern test.

Ollie Akroyd and his squad were ultimately disappointed with only coming away from Pontefract with a point on Saturday after producing a superb performance for 70 minutes to lead by eight points in injury time.

A failure to finish the game and a couple of missed chances in attack was enough to allow Ponty to snatch a point. On reflection a point was a good result at what is always a difficult place to win and could prove crucial in the coming weeks.

There were no injuries to report on Saturday and Brods should welcome back hooker Ben Morrill who was on Yorkshire U-20s duty at the weekend, to add to the impressive pack options. Jamie McLaughlin once again showed his value to the side with a superb performance at hooker and with props Dave and Andy Skinner, McLaughlin and Callum Thompson all competing for places, Brods are blessed in the front row department.
Both Skinners had great games at Pontefract and must continue and dominate the Gateshead pack.

Akroyd had another good game in the back row and with Nabeel Salama and Andy Finn rampaging around the field, Brods will hope to put plenty of width on the game, create chances and stretch Gateshead.

After a disappointing performance against Carlisle last time out at Woodhead, Akroyd will want a much improved attitude and attacking performance. Against Pontefract the side were devastating at times in attack with forwards and backs combining brilliantly to score stunning tries.

Wings Matty Hoyle and Aaron Fowler both created chances and caused havoc with some elusive running and Jack Moon continued his good form in his first year of senior rugby. Jonny Hotham was also a threat and he will be joined by either Chris Hartley or Andy Clay who are both in good form.

With fine weather forecast and the ground beginning to firm up, the conditions should suit Brods' style of play. The players need to realise the importance of the result and take a huge step towards securing their status in North 1 East. It is a challenge that they should relish and they will hope to treat their supporters to some more high quality attacking rugby.

The 2nd XV travel to Wharfedale for what will be a tough Yorkshire Premier League fixture. Last week's fixture against Morley was postponed when Morley were unable to raise a team. Captain Kyle Millward will hope to have a strong side available for what is always a tough fixture.