Crisis club Chester City's hopes of getting their season under way have been stalled again by the postponement of Tuesday's home game with Gateshead.

The game has been called off under the orders of the Football Association, which has advised the Football Conference that it should be postponed.

Last Saturday's away game at Grays was called off on the eve of the season.

A decision on City's future is expected on Thursday following more discussions between the Conference and the FA.

Chester's next scheduled game is at home to Cambridge United on Saturday.

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A statement issued by the Conference on Monday evening read: "Whilst discussions continue between the Football Conference and the Football Association concerning the transfer of membership of Chester City FC Ltd to Chester City FC (2004) Ltd, the match between Chester City and Gateshead scheduled for Tuesday, 11 August 2009 has been postponed.

"A meeting between representatives of the Football Conference and the Football Association has been arranged for Thursday, 13 August in an attempt to draw this matter to a conclusion.

"It is anticipated Chester City's fixture at home to Cambridge United on Saturday, 15 August will proceed as scheduled."

Chester have already been docked an automatic 10 points after going into voluntary administration following relegation from the Football League in May.

The reformed club were taken over once again in June by members of former owner Stephen Vaughan's family, but were then denied FA affiliation in July, and docked a further 15 points last week.

It is understood that all their 23 fellow Blue Square Premier clubs have given a seal of approval to City's continued existence this season.

But, despite a sense of urgency to bring the saga to a speedier conclusion, the FA is yet to either confirm City's continued affiliation or explain the outstanding issues of contention.

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