Last updated at 09:23, Thursday, 17 January 2013

BARROW AFC's twice-postponed FA Trophy third round tie at Gateshead has been switched to Holker Street.

The Bluebirds travelled to the North East on Saturday only to find the International Stadium pitch waterlogged - the latest in a series of postponements at the Heed's home ground as they struggle with drainage issues.

Further snow and rain meant Tuesday's initial replay date was also impossible and efforts by the home side to find an alternative ground proved fruitless.

The sides will now meet at Barrow's Holker Street home on Tuesday, replacing the scheduled Conference home game against Stockport, which moves to Saturday, January 26.

Should the Trophy game be postponed on need a replay, that would take place on January 26, with the Stockport game moved again. If Barrow win the initial game on Tuesday, however, then they would face a trip to Gainsborough Trinity on that date in the FA Trophy quarter-finals.

A statement from Gateshead said: “The FA Trophy third round home tie against Barrow has been switched to Cumbria after two postponements at the International Stadium.

“With little chance of the stadium pitch being playable for the game to go ahead next Tuesday, and attempts to stage the tie on Durham City’s 3G pitch unsuccessful, the tie will now take place at Holker Street.

“Despite the game taking place in Cumbria it will still be regarded as a home fixture so if a replay is required that too will take place at Barrow.”

Heed chairman Graham Wood added: “We have made every attempt to stage the tie in the North East, but unfortunately we have not been able to find a suitable solution.”

The statement from Gateshead revealed they had tried to have the game played at Durham City’s New Ferens Park. However, FA regulations mean opponents must be given 10 days’ notice of matches being played on an artificial surface, meaning that was impossible.

Approaches to Premier League neighbours Newcastle United and Sunderland also proved fruitless, as did contact with other non-league clubs in the area.

The match will still be counted as Gateshead’s home tie, thus if a replay was required it would also take place at Holker Street.

First published at 09:20, Thursday, 17 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk