Hood has remained with the club despite the turmoil at Gateshead

Gateshead coach Chris Hood believes fans will need to be patient as the club continues to build after the winter restructuring.

Thunder were demoted to Championship One during the off-season, losing much of the squad and staff after a change of ownership and holding company.

"We're going to take a longer approach," Hood said.

"The problem over the last 10 years has been trying to make an instant impact without having solid foundations."

Thunder have lost all three of their Northern Rail Cup pool games this season ahead of the visit of Batley to the International Stadium.

Half-back Liam Duffy has a 50/50 chance of making a return after his rib cartilage injury, while Crawford Matthews (dislocated shoulder) and Rob Harvey (hamstring) definitely miss the match.

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