Dunston UTS’ FA Carlsberg Vase fourth-round tie against Tunbridge Wells has again been postponed, much to the frustration of secretary Bill Montague and manager Billy Irwin.
Not only have Irwin’s boys twiddled their thumbs over the last three weekends, but the postponements have proved to be a financial and administrative burden for the club – and for Montague in particular.
He explained: “Fortunately Tunbridge Wells informed us on each of the last three Thursdays that the ties would have to be called off but we’ve still had to pay the hotel for accommodation.
“Unlike individuals, who can normally cancel a booking, the same doesn’t apply to big parties so we are facing a massive financial loss.
“Whether the FA will help remains to be seen but we probably won’t know one way or the other until the end of the season.
“In addition, apart from making all the cancellations, I’ve had to re-arrange things so the sooner we get the tie played the better for everyone concerned.”
Last weekend, the Tynesiders offered to play the tie on Sunday, but it was known by the Thursday that the pitch wouldn’t be playable even on Sunday.
“We made the same offer for this weekend but once again there’s no chance of the game going ahead,” added Montague.
Manager Billy Irwin also wants the tie to be played as early as possible. “It’s all been very uncertain for three weeks but there’s nothing we could do about it. We’ve all got to keep focused on the game.”
Newcastle Benfield boss Anthony Woodhouse has further strengthened his squad in a bid to move clear of the relegation zone.
After signing Adam Donaghey from West Auckland Town and Carl Paterson from Ryton and Crawcrook Albion, he’s also brought in former Wallsend Boys Club player Dylan Adamson.
“Although we haven’t played we’ve had some decent training sessions in the last couple of weeks and signing three newcomers has boosted everybody.
“Unfortunately, Dylan is out with a groin injury and misses tomorrow’s game against Shildon at the Sam Smiths ground,” observed Woodhouse.
Benfield are in the unacustomed position of being fourth from bottom, only three points ahead of Billingham Town whose plight worsened in mid-week when they went down to Ashington.
South Shields are firmly rooted to the basement before they travel to Norton and Stockton Ancients in what is undoubtedly a six-pointer.
Norton are immediately above the Mariners with a four-points cushion and three games in hand.
“It goes without saying that the outcome is crucial for both teams,” said Mariners secretary Phil Reay, who reports that manager Jon King this week signed a couple of players.
Lewis Turnbull switched from Consett and Jason Brazauskas moved to Filtrona Park from Esh Winning.
“We are also looking to bring in another two players before kick-off. Peter Kane, meanwhile, has gone to Jarrow Roofing,” added Reay.
Spennymoor Town are so confident of staging their Vase tie with Lordswood that there will be no pitch inspection.
