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Having considered all the circumstances of last night's postponement, especially B.4D's comments, I am forced to conclude that the referee, Adam Herczeg from (I think) Gateshead, simply didn't fancy it.

It reminds me of the famous postponement of our Trophy game at Buxton 40 years ago, when it was alleged that the referee called it off because he didn't think he'd get back home to Lincoln if it snowed again.

A lot of people were severely inconvenienced and left out of pocket by the late decision to call the game off. Spennymoor will have to pay the cost of needlessly turning on the floodlights for example. Players will have, in many cases, lost time at work.

Spennymoor's chairman's offer to fund our coach was a fine gesture, but I note his phrase "we respect the referee's decision". B.4D reckons that the ref cited "Health & Safety", and I do wonder what guidelines he may have been following.

Whilst we don't want to go back to the times illustrated by the iconic photograph of Tom Finney having an in-play cold shower, the line must surely be drawn  somewhere reasonable.

Do referees have to submit a report to the league when they postpone, and if so, how detailed is it ? Do clubs have any grounds to raise an official complaint if they feel that the decision to call off a game was unreasonable ?

Mr.Herczog would have got home in time to watch Spurs v Boro last night. Our travelling contingent didn't even have that consolation.

Same starting eleven, provided all are fit, and hopefully a fit James Jones on the bench. This SHOULD be three more points if we continue our recent form.

This will be a lot tougher than yesterday, and we'll need to improve our finishing and keep it tight at the back. If we channel our FA Cup performance at their place, we are capable of taking three crucial points.

Right. Radical view coming up, and I expect to be slaughtered by some of you.

I know a lot of Alty fans were unhappy when we fielded a weakened team against Stockport last season - but this time we absolutely must do in my opinion. The FA Trophy is, to my mind, third in our pecking order after the FA Cup tie at Portsmouth and the increasing chance of another crack at the playoffs.

Portsmouth is the immediate priority - the financial possibilities for the club are endless. The prospect of an awayday at Mourinho's new employers, or something similar, is mouthwatering. But if we can get Pompey back to Moss Lane, it'll be a dead cert for live TV, and even if it were the end of our run it would generate tremendous financial benefits, as well as putting the club in the public consciousnesses and attracting potential sponsors and investors.

I firmly believe that we cannot afford to lose key players to injury or suspension (Andy White is only one booking away from a ban).

I'd rest Thompson, White, Hannigan, Johnston, and Hulme. Yes, I know Joel Torrance in goal is a massive shout but I believe he's a tremendous prospect, and Densmore, Jones, Mullarkey, and Hampson, bolstered by Moult, are perfectly capable of protecting him.

If we lose at Bootham  Crescent the world won't end. If we lose at Fratton Park because key players are missing THAT would be a disaster.

Martin's funeral is at the chapel in Altrincham Crematorium on Tuesday 22nd.October at 1245, following which he will be laid to rest beside his mother at Dunham Lawn.

See their forum for fan reaction. They fear going the same way as Bury. Much as I hate to admit it, I'd be sorry to see our oldest enemies go under. We have no traditional rivals left if they go - I'd rather move past them on merit over a longer period than get above them sooner because they've folded.

....for Alvechurch, his 22nd club !

Before I launch into this tirade, I must stress that last night's official was not the principal reason that we lost.

BUT.....

We've now played nine matches, and I've only seen one referee who looked up to scratch at this level. Last night's official :

Failed to send off their substitute Mohammed, who, having been booked for a really poor challenge within two minutes of coming on, did the same thing soon afterwards.

Sent off Simon Richman for a second yellow, neither of which was for as bad a challenge as the two Mohammed committed.

Allowed their centre back to persistently foul Jordan Hulme, penalising only two of a dozen challenges.

Gave a throw in the wrong way on the say-so of his "assistant" who had a poorer view than he did.

I could go on.....but note the description of "assistant". What exactly is the role of the man on the line supposed to be ? Frequently this season, I've seen fouls committed of which the "assistant" has had a clear view, but the referee has not - yet the flag is never raised. Are they being told to only flag offsides and throw ins ? And if so, why ? Frankly we'd be no worse off without them.