The Chaplain

And the cost of having one nationwide election in April and another in May is considerable. But we'll see.

Getting a bit worried about the state of the pitch for Saturday now. The official site tells me that it's ok. But did they know about all this snow? We've borrowed some extra pitch covers from Man City - so that's good then. Hopefully we will all be cheering on a famous victory.

They left about 9.30 this morning. I'm guessing that those who live on the other side of the Pennines may be travelling independently, or be picked up. In any case that should be plenty of time, the M62 was flowing freely that early.

If you haven't left yet ... BBC travel site reports (inter alia): M62 West Yorkshire - Hazardous driving conditions and very slow traffic both ways , ice and snow between J22, Rishworth Moor and J24, Ainley Top. Matrix sign set to 30 mph

The Hartlepool site says that while the game is defineitly going ahead they need fans support to lift the covers, which are coated with snow and ice, and to make safe the stands and certain areas of the car park. Volunteers required! http://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk/page/New...1920780,00.html

All clear given after 9am inspection.

Met office gave the following severe weather warning for the NE "Sleet and snow showers through Friday afternoon and evening, should ease for a time overnight, but will become widespread again later on Saturday morning and into the afternoon. Further fresh falls of 2 to 5 cm are expected, with locally up to 10cm. The wintry showers are also expected to fall on frozen roads and paths during Friday evening and overnight causing widespread ice in places."The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the Highways Agency for further advice on traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads." It's now 1ºC in Hartlepool, rising to 2º later, but feeling much colder with strong easterly winds. Snow is forecast for later this morning.

Pools website.

Steady now lad! Thanks Bob. Happy Christmas to you and to all our fans (and that's official).

I thought Stephens looked good. Some good set pieces too.

I thought Colbeck continued the improvement we saw at City midweek. Much more impressed today.

Just back - and looking sharp.

Brill, Colbeck and Stephens stood out for me with Jacobson solid at the back. Stephens as MOM. Shocking weather, draughty stadium, and no pies! Only a Burger van.

He played very well at Man City last night. Almost scored direct from a free kick on the edge of the area. Just went over. He's tall. And he gets up into the area well. The official report talks about him racing through the City defence, and he certainly did that. Get him in!

FT 1-0 to Gillingham

Yellow to Hazell

Penalty scored

Penalty to Gillingham

Keep up Bob

Crowd 4,745

Hughesy twice for Notts County at Gigg Lane.

Taylor nearly scored. Corner!

Roy Butterworth in "I go to church three times on Sunday" shock!