Clark joined Gateshead following his release by Hartlepool last summer

Gateshead captain Ben Clark says that the first goal will be crucial in Saturday's FA Trophy semi-final second leg at home to Darlington.

The Tynesiders trail 3-2 after the first leg, having passed up a two-goal lead at half-time in the tie.

"The tie is still alive and an early goal at Gateshead would make it game on," Clark told BBC Newcastle.

"It's half-time, we're one-nil down, we've got to take them back to our place and it should be a good game."

Darlington's relegation to the Blue Square Bet Premier, after 20 years in the Football League, paired Gateshead with their north-east rivals for the first time since 1963.

"There's nothing much between us in the leagues and we've come a long way," Clark added.

"We just like to keep it on the backburner and keep doing what we're doing.

"Obviously Darlington is a massive club, look at the stadium, it's a Premier League stadium and a fantastic occasion, our supporters were brilliant."

Former Sunderland centre-back Clark joined Gateshead following his release by Hartlepool United during the summer.

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