Snow reward is better later than never

The thaw at Ramsbottom United came to late to save Saturday's top flight clash with Frickley Athletic but the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League club's officials believe the valiant efforts of their fans should still pay off on Tuesday night.

Despite a small army of supporters putting in well over 70 hours of work attempting to clear several inches of snow, the pitch at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium was declared unplayable.

But barring the return of any snow over the next 48 hours, it should now be in a good enough condition for the Rams to host Northwich Victoria in the third round of the Doodson Sport Cup in midweek.

The Rams have not played since their 3-2 defeat at Nantwich Town's Weaver Stadium on New Year's Day after the weekend postponement and are desperate to avoid a fixture pile-up.

A Rams spokesman said: "We want a positive outcome. The next league game is away at Buxton on 31 January so some consistently clement weather is needed!"

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | The NPL group on Facebook by clicking here: www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/