TOWN'S Division III match at Carlisle today was off because of a frozen pitch.
Brunton Park was judged unplayable by Tyne and Wear referee Colin Webster in a 10am inspection following overnight temperatures of minus five.
Peter Jackson's squad were en route near Preston when the postponement was announced.
"It's disappointing and, if the decision was as clear cut as it seems, surely it could have been called off yesterday, giving us time to re-organise our training and start preparations for Tuesday's home game against Yeovil," said Jackson, who noted the matches at York and Swansea were also off.
Town, meanwhile , face the threat of a £50,000 fine if their disciplinary record does not continue to improve.
Football Association chiefs yesterday examined Town's record of 10 red cards and 63 bookings this season, which is an average of 18.6 disciplinary points per game. Five are recorded for a red card, two for a yellow and one for a foul.
But, as Jackson said at yesterday's Manchester hearing, Town's problems have been addressed since the end of 2003. Any possible penalties won't be considered until the end of the season.
Jackson's squad will now train tomorrow in readiness for Tuesday's McAlpine meeting with fellow promotion chasers Yeovil (7.45).
The manager is waiting for fitness updates on Nat Brown (groin) and Lee Fowler (ankle) and is delighted to have top-class indoor facilities to use during this cold snap.
"Training indoors is never ideal, but our facilities at the new Academy are excellent," said Jackson.
"The lads would prefer to be outside on grass, but they don't mind going down to the Academy when that's not possible because the facilities down at Leeds Road are fantastic."
