Saturday replay demand

The match was called off by Castleford-based referee Andy Smith after just 15 minutes, as heavy rain left large puddles all over the playing surface.

The fixture had originally been scheduled for Saturday, March 17, before league officials brought it forward. And Telford will urge that it is now played on that date in order to avoid making a round journey of almost 500 miles on a midweek evening.

Gateshead have since re-arranged a different game for that afternoon, but the Bucks believe the league must see sense.

"They've got North Ferriby on March 17 now, but I was speaking to Gateshead's manager Tony Lee and he said that's an hour and 20 minutes down the road," said Telford boss Rob Smith.

"We've had enough travelling this year and it's getting beyond a joke. I don't think the league look at these fixtures and give it some thought.

"We definitely want this game played on a Saturday because we'd have to leave at midday for a Tuesday game and it would mean everyone booking more time off work. It's costing us time and money.

"For the supporters it's horrendous. All credit to the ones who made the journey up on Saturday and I hope they get some recompense."

Smith is in no doubt that Saturday's game should have been called off on Saturday morning, with heavy rain forecast for the rest of the day.

And he lambasted the match official Smith for allowing the day to descend into "farce".

Smith is now concerned that tomorrow night's trip to Fleetwood could also be in doubt, and is determined to see that an early inspection is made tomorrow morning.

* Should tomorrow's game go ahead, live commentary will be broadcast in the Learning Centre at the New Bucks Head.

By Chris Hudson