Pitch inspection ahead of Accrington Stanley v Portsmouth

With snowfall this week and a drop in temperature the new year fixture has been thrown into doubt.

A pitch inspection has been planned for 1.30pm tomorrow (Friday) to decide whether the clash with Pompey can go ahead.

Frost covers have been in place at the Wham Stadium to give the game every chance of going ahead, and those covers will remain in place for as long as possible.

Stanley are already facing a fixture pile-up after having their Boxing Day game at Doncaster Rovers and Tuesday's home game against Sunderland postponed because of the number of positive coronavirus tests among players and staff at both clubs, and subsequent need for self isolation, on the back of a two-week shutdown of their own earlier this year following a Covid-19 outbreak.

The Reds are already having to play a game every four days if the remainder of the season is to be finished on time, leading owner Andy Holt to call for an extension of at least two weeks, given the pandemic and the impact that weather is expected to have on winter fixtures throughout the Football League, not just League One.