Blyth took all three points from a match which should never have taken place. The pitch was totally frozen, players were sliding all over the place. Blyth took a two-goal lead throughh a Paul Baker double, both thanks to good work from my man of the match, Gareth Williams. Preen took a tumble in the box and Bowey converted the dubious spot-kick to make it 2-1 at the break. The second half was less eventful, apart from Preen doing the full 'con the ref' repetoire- until he got sussed and the ref just ignored him from then on. Blyth were far from brilliant, but dug in very well in crazy conditions. Gateshead looked a very dejected bunch of players.

I disagree that our players looked dejected. We actually had more shots during the game and battled very well. Preen suffers from constantly bieng fouled and I expect he is fed up with the decision nearly always going against him. The penalty could not be disputed by anyone who knows the laws of football, a clear trip in the box. Paker's second goal was brilliantly taken but should have been ruled off-side by a very inept linesman.

But you are correct in saying that the match shouldn't have been played. It was obvious that the pitch was not playable and apparently the ref did not confer with either manager to get their opinion. He even ignored pleas on the touchline from our manager and our club secretary to abandon the game. Perhaps he didn't want to lose his fee! Or perhaps BGlyth didn't want to lose the gate money! (not so many would turn up at a mid-week game)

Football was the only loser, apart from the fans who had to pay to watch this nonsense. If I had wanted to see an ice show I would have gone to the telewest arena!

The ref should be reported for endangering the health players.

The problem with Preen is that it is hard to tell when he is being fouled and when he trying to make it look like he is. He was right in front of me in the second half and really took things too far.

But it was not a match- perhaps it should only count for 1.5 points because it was no measure of footballing prowess but of good boots. Did you see your feller Thompson- he could hardly walk- one free kick he was sitting down when it was taken!!

Gateshead had a lot more shots but wasted many of them as it was so hard to get the right balance to shoot. I hope this is not the last derby in the near future as it would be a sad way to end. You are probably right about gate money- so important to clubs at this level but it hardly gives value for money for the fans does it?