CHRIS Wilder did his best to remain upbeat after a deluge on Tyneside postponed Oxford United’s FA Cup first-round replay at Gateshead last night.

Heavy rain in the hours building up to the game left the pitch at the International Stadium waterlogged.

Patches of standing water could clearly be seen across the playing surface, despite the efforts of Gateshead’s groundstaff.

United’s players huddled for shelter in the tunnel as referee Paul Tierney inspected the pitch an hour before kick-off.

With more rain forecast, he had no option but to call the game off.

It meant United, who travelled to the north-east on Tuesday, made the 500-mile round trip for nothing and must do it all again for the rearranged fixture next month.

Wilder, whose side came from two goals down to draw 2-2 in the first game at the Kassam Stadium earlier this month, felt there was no alternative.

“We’re disappointed because we prepared properly,” the United manager said.

“It’s part and parcel of having to re-adjust. We are pretty decent at that and we will get on with it.

“You can’t stop what has happened and there is no doubt about it, the correct decision has been made.”

Gateshead manager Gary Mills said: “It’s devastating to have it called off, but it could not have been played.”

The two club secretaries agreed to reschedule the game in the week commencing Monday, December 2. The exact date is expected to be announced shortly.