TheNE40

It's all on Platten and the committee. It's been one balls up after another, since Alun Armstrong was allowed to leave. Hearing that Farsley Celtic may be relegated owing to ground grading issues so Blyth may be saved, but this is hope rather than expectation now.

Disagree. The officials on the pitch missed the incident and didn't even check it themselves in the monitor. Do they ever? I don't watch much live football these days, so I don't get to see, but every time I see VAR used it appears as if the ref just stays on the pitch, waiting to be informed of the decision. I also think, for what it's worth, that the timing of the fact that VAR had missed the red card (came out during the game) wasn't ideal. Would have been far better served releasing it post-match. Worse still, that VAR official did the Leicester v Man City game at 5:30 as well!

Refreshing to hear from a referee given how veiled they are from the media. A tough balance but I think they should be allowed to speak more and explain their decisions though I'm not sure as to how the best way to achieve this. Definitely merit in doing it though.

Bring on Atletico second leg, if they grab an early goal like they did in the first year (no easy feat at Anfield I admit), they may have a chance

It'll have to be one for VAR you'd think And the lower leagues without VAR? Exactly, there'd be no consistency and more frustration. I personally don't see any need to change the current position massively to be honest

It'll have to be one for VAR you'd think

Expecting a washout this weekend with Storm Dennis on the way, steady rainfall from 7am onwards on already saturated ground - fingers crossed I'm wrong !

Great to see Hebburn finally get a home tie after a number of long trips away (Lower Breck, Vauxhall Motors, Longridge). Last time they had a home tie was Sunderland RCA on 2 November. Should be a bumper crowd - I'm away unfortunately otherwise I'd have been there

Hebburn v Plymouth Parkway Atherstone Town / Worcester City v Consett

Excellent news, and a great result for Hebburn. Shame for West Auckland though, but 2 teams left in the Vase. Draw today, hopefully they're both kept apart!

Was a great game last night. 1,704 there and a good contest throughout (with a bit of controversy). 1-1 draw a fair result and a great atmosphere. Off to Ryton v Redcar in the NL Div 2 cup tonight! Good win for Ryton last night. Not a vintage game by any stretch and was tense throughout, but Ryton probably shaded it and now advance to the semis where they'll play either Jarrow FC, Tow Law Town or West Allotment Celtic.

Was a great game last night. 1,704 there and a good contest throughout (with a bit of controversy). 1-1 draw a fair result and a great atmosphere. Off to Ryton v Redcar in the NL Div 2 cup tonight!

Will be popping up to Morpeth v South Shields game tonight, the 'lights' derby with a fair bit of recent history between both sides it should be a cracker!

That's a shame to hear, but hopefully the club don't suffer too much in the long run. Always had a soft spot for York and it's always been a good day out. I'll certainly try and attend before the doors finally close on BC, one of the proper old school ground (of which there are less and less now unfortunately).

The move to a new stadium may have been needed but it will be located well outside of York City Centre I believe. One of the key reasons Bootham Crescent was good as an away fan / neutral was due to its central location and ease of access to the city centre (bars / shops etc.). Only time will tell if its a good move I guess though. I was at the Darlington game Saturday. Guiseley deserved winners and Darlington were very poor and didn't have a shot on target all game. Tough one for the officials with some very interesting decisions for them.

It's crucial that they invest the Roberts money wisely. Saw that they've been rebuffed by York for 'Nippa' Maguire, and have brought Harmison in from Morpeth, but you'd think they need more than that if they're to have a chance of survival...

Another good win for Gateshead last night. Keeps them creeping towards the playoffs. Now York, Darlington, Spennymoor and Gateshead all up towards the top of the league. Good for the North East.

Some surprising results last night - South Shields beaten (allegedly deservedly) by Stockton Town, Spennymoor needing penalties to dispose of West Auckland and Seaham Red Star beating Consett in Durham Challenge Cup. Also pleasing to see Dunston come from behind and beat second placed Ramsbottom in Evostik, seem to be getting some form together and going up the table after a tough start to the season.

Has to be otherwise they may as well confirm relegation unfortunately. Always expected to see him go as he was head and shoulders above the rest, just surprised its not to a FL club to be honest. Good move from them in hindsight to tie him down on a contract so they could profit.

Totally agree - a club destined for the higher levels it seems, they just need to get the thing done on the green patch this season. Been in poor form of late but it would seem that the playoffs will be the way they'll have to go if they want that promotion (barring a Kings Lynn collapse).

Was at Whickham last night. Aside from the 11 goals scored there was no sign of Shola. It may be that they're waiting until Saturday to sign him..

Bit of controversy at Spennymoor last night it seems - https://spennymoortownfc.co.uk/2020/01/14/club-statement-altrincham-postponement/. Makes for interesting reading...

Also good to see the 3 NL sides avoid one another in the Vase draw today (though I was very surprised to see Stockton dumped out on Saturday). Consett v Deal Town / Binfield Plymouth Parkway v West Auckland Town Longridge Town v Hebburn Town 766 mile round trip for West Auckland!!

Was at Blyth on Saturday. Tense game and it was clear Curzon set up to frustrate Blyth. Two keeper errors led to the first goals for both sides, Robbie Dale put Blyth 2-1 up and then Curzon missed a sitter to level it late on. Blyth deserved the win in a very wind effected game.

Shocking that mind, what happened to the usual 13!? Shields seem to be a bit stronger this season, plus they haven't had the rocky start they had last year. Long way to go though.