A home draw in the FA Cup first round was very welcome for Chris Wilder as Oxford United were paired with Gateshead.
It is the first time in four seasons the U’s will play at the Kassam Stadium in their opening game of the competition, which will be played on November 8 or 9.
Gateshead, managed by former York City boss Gary Mills, sit tenth in the Skrill Premier and reached this stage with a 1-0 win at Chester on Saturday.
Wilder is well aware of the threats the visitors will pose, but was pleased to avoid an away trip.
“We’re at home, so we’re happy,” he said.
“We know they are going well, Gary Mills has gone in there and they have had some good results.
“We would expect, if we play well, to go through.
“We are in good nick and first and foremost we didn’t want a long journey, because there are lots you could have.
“We will also have a lot of information about the opposition, which you don’t always have if you play a team much lower down.
“But we know they will have good players who will relish the chance of playing at our place.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here