Cold snap claims Oakwell clash

Photo: ALAN HOWARTH

Jabo Ibehre fires in a cross against Crewe on Boxing Day . . . Athletic may look to extend the forward’s loan spell in the New Year.

ATHLETIC’S Sky Bet League One clash at Barnsley tonight has fallen victim of the icy weather.

The area around the Oakwell ground was this morning covered in snow and ice, and though Barnsley has a heated pitch, there was little hope of a general thaw.

Officials decided to postpone the match over concerns for player safety.

Despite slipping to 13th in the table after yesterday’s results, a win for Athletic tonight would not have only halted a run of four losses, it would have also reignited play-off aspirations.

The players are now left kicking their heels.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has returned to Bolton after reporting a groin problem, while it is hoped Liam Kelly (hamstring) will be ready to feature in Athletic’s next fixture, against Doncaster on January 10.

Decisions also need to be taken on the loan players. Michael Tidser is set to return to Rotherham, but talks are possible for extensions for Jabo Ibehre, Daniel Johnson and Tom Youngs.

“We need to get our base 14 or 15 players fit and try to get two or three in if possible — and go again,” said Johnson of his plans for the new transfer window. “There is still half a season left, so we continue to do the right things.

“This recent run has been tough and some people may have lost the faith, so I am told, but they shouldn’t. Against Crewe you saw they were up for it. Sometimes, football is cruel and the only stat we didn’t win on the day was the scoreline.

“The last two defeats were very disappointing but against Crewe (Athletic lost 2-1), I was galvanised by my group and if we played 10 games like that, we would probably win eight of them.”