Avenue optimistic of playing tomorrow (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Park Avenue optimistic of playing tomorrow

6:10pm Sunday 17th March 2013 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Bradford Park Avenue were frustrated by the weather again yesterday but expect the reverse fixture to go ahead tomorrow night.

Avenue were due to travel to Oxford City in the Blue Square Bet North Division but the game was called off early morning because of a waterlogged pitch.

Boss John Deacey trained his players instead for a second successive Saturday so they are raring to go tomorrow.

After the previous weekend’s clash with promotion rivals Altrincham was postponed, Avenue went to fellow challengers Gainsborough Trinity on the Monday and earned a point with a 1-1 draw.

Tomorrow's Oxford game has already suffered two postponements. It was originally scheduled for Saturday December 8 (frozen pitch) and then again on for Monday, January 28 (waterlogged pitch), so the Avenue groundstaff are hoping it will be third time lucky.

The Blue Square North outfit were not the only local club to be thwarted by the weather at the weekend.

Liversedge’s trip to Heanor Town in the Baris Northern Counties East League Premier Division and Albion Sports’ journey to Clipstone Welfare in the lower tier of the same league were also off.

It was another blow to Albion’s title hopes as they have many games in hand but need points on the board.

They will now have a midweek trip to Mansfield-based Clipstone at a later date.

Silsden were also left kicking their heels as their home meeting with Winsford United in the North West Counties League Premier Division fell foul of the weather.

Like Avenue, the Cobbydalers have a quick turnaround as they journey to Manchester tomorrow to take on second-placed Maine Road.