Fixtures reversed to beat weather

With heavy snow and more rain forecast, EVO-STIK NPL officials announced on Wednesday that instead of playing at Buxton's Silverlands this Saturday, the highest ground in the country, the Premier Division sides will meet at The Marine Travel Arena in Crosby instead.

As a result of the decision taken in consultation with both clubs, the top flight fixture between them on Saturday 5 March will now take place in Derbyshire.

In a statement released by the Mariners, chairman Paul Leary hailed the move as the "sensible" thing to do in the circumstances with both clubs keen to avoid a fixture backlog.

He said: “The poor weather conditions currently in the Buxton area are to continue through to the weekend when more snow is forecast leaving the league's officials and the two clubs deciding on the option to, sensibly, switch the tie to Crosby as Marine and Buxton are already behind in the number of league games played.

"I look forward therefore to welcoming the officials, players and supporters of Buxton Football Club to the Marine Travel Arena in what will be a tough encounter for Marine.”

* Marine's second round clash in the Integro Doodson League Cup with Ramsbottom United next Tuesday night (19 January) has been switched to the Marine Travel Arena with the Rams still cleaning up after the Christmas floods that inundated their Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

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