Fixture doubts remain

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: THE D and J Builders (North-West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League schedule was completely wiped out by the winter weather.

League chiefs will be hoping this weekend brings better luck - and better conditions.

But it’s far from certain, and league official Val Broadbent said: “Obviously there has been a forecast of rain, but even then, the ground may be hard.

“The referee secretary hasn’t allocated any referees yet, as we are waiting to hear back from the council with regards to the state of the playing surfaces.

“We are naturally keen to avoid a fixtures backlog if at all possible, because if the matches are off that would make it two weekends in a row.

“People should go online at the weekend and check our website. I will make the fixtures news the main ticker across the top of the site.

“Conditions aren’t as bad as a week ago, when the idea of playing matches was a complete non-starter, but it still looks unlikely.”

The Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League fixture list was also ruined by the icy snap.

Official John Nesbit isn’t expecting much difference this time around.

He said: “Most of the pitches are still frozen underneath the snow.

“Even if we get a thaw or a heavy downfall of rain, we will probably get waterlogged playing surfaces.

“The majority of matches are more than likely to be postponed.”

Check the FA website for details: missing fixtures have been called off.


Derby day in trophy
A DING-DONG derby battle is on the way after holders Hollinwood were drawn away to Avro in the Manchester FA Challenge Trophy semi-final.

The Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester League Premier Division rivals clash on January 15.

Curzon Ashton take on either Fives Athletic or Wythenshawe Town in the other semi-final.

The derby clash will come as a welcome distraction for Fred Hardicre’s Hollinwood outfit, who remain rooted to the bottom of the league table after a poor start to the campaign.