I spent four years in Newcastle, non league football up there is in the main ignored. Look at Gateshead in their Conference days, 300-400 rattling round the ground. I expect they could be a good side, nice facilities, a legendary footballing hotbed, lots of decent players to choose from in the catchment area. I really think they'll give us a game.
Crowd wise I'm unsure, its in the Newcastle equivalent of Hale Barns be there such a thing, rugby country.
I'm hoping to go for old times sake, note to London Alty, very near the airport, an easy trip if you can get a decent deal on BMI/BA from Heathrow, could top the train. As I said in an earlier thread, not a good idea to wear Alty home shirts in the City Centre, many Geordies ask questions later. Newcastle/Sunderland is like River Plate/Boca Juniors. It'll be fine around the ground/local area though.