Games all set to fall to the big freeze (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Games all set to fall to the big freeze

1:10pm Friday 10th February 2012 in Chorley FC

NON-league faces the prospect of another blank Saturday on the spin with the big freeze stretching into a second week.

Pitches across the area have been hit hard by the weather with the majority frozen solid – and with the mercury only forecast to reach a high of just two degrees this afternoon before sinking into minus numbers tonight, the chances of a thaw are extremely slim.

Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley could find out this afternoon if their scheduled Evo-Stik League Premier Division clash at Worksop Town goes ahead.

The Tigers are planning to take a look at their Sandy Lane pitch today – but the temperature in Nottinghamshire is not predicted to rise above zero.

Off the field Flitcroft has been dealt a double blow and fears that key duo Dale Whitham and Tom Walker could be out for the rest of the season.

Midfielder Whitham is to undergo a cartilage operation, while defender Walker is also a long-term injury victim.

Clitheroe are due to welcome Woodley Sports to Shawbridge in the Evo-Stik League First Division North but that is another game in doubt.

Such is the nature of the weather, Woodley faced frustration last Saturday despite their Lambeth Grove ground having a state-of-the-art artificial pitch.

They expected their clash with Curzon Ashton to beat the freeze – but the game was called off after snow froze over.

North West Counties League chiefs will allow clubs to postpone games today without an inspection if there is no realistic chance of play.

Leaders Ramsbottom United are due to travel to Alsager Town and high-flying Barnoldswick Town management trio Ben Hall, Stewart Airdrie and Kevin Richardson – combined as the manager of the month for January – are scheduled to be at Flixton, while Bacup are due to travel to AFC Liverpool.

Maine Road host Padiham and Colne are due to welcome AFC Blackpool to the XLCR Stadium.

In the North West Counties League Premier Division, the prospects of play in the game between Nelson and Abbey Hey are slim – and that would mean frustration for the Admirals who have seen their last 12 games called off.

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