That is the view of manager Gary Owers, who accused his side for having a fear factor about their play at the weekend.
The Gulls went down 3-0 at Tranmere in a performance the Plainmoor boss called second rate.
A good win against the Heed will move them up to 20th in the National League table - and Owers wants them to make the most of being the only game in the division on Tuesday night.
He said: “We didn’t have enough belief on Saturday, and we need to get that back quickly.
“We were better in the second half but we need to be at it from the off on Tuesday, that’s for sure.
“Gateshead are a good side. It’s a big game for us, they all are at this stage of the season in the position we are.”
Steve Watson’s side make long trip well rested.
They didn’t play this weekend after their home match with Woking was postponed due to the snow in the north east.