The National League home fixture between Gateshead FC and Braintree Town, scheduled for Saturday 7 February 2026 at Gateshead International Stadium, has been postponed after a pitch inspection found the playing surface to be waterlogged following persistent heavy rain.
A local EFL referee carried out the pitch inspection on Friday afternoon, and officials judged the surface unplayable. The club announced the postponement on Friday, approximately 21 hours before the scheduled kick-off.
The early decision prevented Braintree Town players and supporters — who would have faced a long journey from Essex (about 272 miles one way, roughly 544 miles round-trip) — from making the trip to Gateshead.
All tickets purchased online will be automatically refunded, with refunds typically processed within three to five working days. Supporters should monitor their original payment method and contact the club if a refund does not appear within that timeframe.
A new date for the match has not yet been confirmed; the club says supporters will be notified when the fixture is rearranged. Tickets purchased for the original fixture will not be valid for the rescheduled match and will need to be re-purchased when a new date is announced.
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