Although it was far from ideal, the postponement could turn out to be a blessing for the U’s.

A pile-up of injuries had restricted Chris Wilder’s options for the game, which could be eased by the time they return to the north east.

It also aids preparation for Saturday’s home game against Morecambe, giving James Constable and Dave Kitson, who were both doubtful last night, time to recover.

Wilder said: “It’s common knowledge we have got a few problems, but we would have had a competitive side out and we would have wanted to do better than we did in the first game.”

He added: “We will be back in on Friday and we have a chance of maintaining our position on Saturday against Morecambe.

“The positive to come out of it is we have not played this week and it gives us a real good opportunity of two or three of the boys that were major doubts being safe for Saturday.”

The winners of the rearranged game will visit Wrexham in round two on Monday, December 9, which will be televised on BT Sport.