ECHOSPORT talks to Gateshead fan Luke Robinson ahead of Saturday's match with Southend United at Roots Hall.

Gateshead are currently fifth in the table. What have you made of the start to the season?

"I think the start of the season has been excellent for us.

"We had some fluke results so far with losing to Dagenham 7-1, which was a shock, and losing 2-0 to FGR but other than that I cannot complain with it!

"Six wins, two draws, and two losses is a perfect way to start the season in my opinion.

"Also managing to go unbeaten for the first seven games of the season, I really couldn't ask for anything more from the squad we have got.

"If you said to me will you take 20 points out of our first 10 games, I would say yes."

Have the events of last season and not being able to take part in the play-offs made everyone more fired up to succeed again this year or has that been forgotten about?

"Everyone knows what happened to us last season due to us not being able to participate in last season's play-offs but we ended up winning the FA Trophy which probably ended off a fantastic season overall despite not being able to take part in the play-offs.

"The success from us winning that FA Trophy and not being able to take part in the play-offs is making us seem like we can succeed again in this league.

"We have seen it on the pitch as well so far this season that the players want to get the football club where it's supposed to be and push for promotion.

"But there will always be the uncertainty lingering around in the background about if we can actually get our ground sorted so it meets EFL regulations.

"I have seen some stuff on social media and via newspaper articles saying that we "can go up" but I'm not certain on that yet until the club announce our situation involving our ground.

 What have been the main reasons behind the team's good form?

"The main reason for our good form honestly is the amount of hard work and effort goes into a performance to get a result.

"Some of the football we play as well it's just eye catching.

"We are going to have points in the season where it's simply a "bad day at the office" there will be days where that happens but as a fan of this club you can understand that so it's important to take in these moments and it's just amazing to see us thriving on the pitch which brings a smile to our fans faces.

Who is the dangerman?

"There is lot of quality players in our squad who are talented but I have to pick one it has to be Regan Booty.

"He's just a clever and smart footballer with one hell of a left foot picking out passes and crosses that you wouldn't expect.

"It's shown with him being up there with five assists and also the control that he can possess in midfield. Would recommend to keep and eye on him as on his day he can be a danger.

What do you feel can be achieved this season?

"I think we can honestly achieve a top five finish in the National League.

"With the league being so open anyone could win the league but I don't think we will do well in a title race if it gets to that stage.

"I don't mind where we finish I'd be more happier with a play-off spot in National League considering how completive this league can get.

"It's hard to say whether we would get promoted this season as I have mentioned before but I would back us to do well in the play-offs.

"We will have to see where the season will take us."

6. What's the team news?

"We have a couple of injuries.

"Greg Olley, Kenton Richardson, and Joe Grayson are some of our long term injuries so they won't be playing on Saturday.

"Brandon Haunstrup and Jean Belehouan haven't featured in the past couple of games with minor injuries so I expect one of them to be on the bench for Saturday.

"The rest of our squad look fit and ready to go."