Derby clash threatened by frost (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Derby clash threatened by frost

7:12pm Monday 5th January 2009 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Tomorrow night’s Kool Sport Northern Counties East League derby at Dennyfield will be subject to an afternoon pitch inspection because of the cold snap.

Thackley hope to host Bradford neighbours Eccleshill United at the second attempt, with the Premier Division fixture having suffered one postponement already back on December 6.

The clubs are also due to meet in the second round of the NCE League Cup, which has also been put back once before, next midweek.

“It is going to have to warm up considerably,” admitted Thackley secretary and spokesman Chris Frank.

“I was on the pitch this afternoon and it was rock solid, so we have arranged an inspection for late afternoon tomorrow.

“A lot of our players and our manager travel in from South Yorkshire, so we need a decision early.

“The only good news is that we have no new injuries and no suspensions at the moment, so if it does go ahead we will have a strong squad.”

BRIGHOUSE TOWN boss Mark Brier is also hoping for an early call one way or the other as he prepares his side to travel to leaders Scarborough Athletic in Division One.

“It’s a 180-mile round trip so the nightmare scenario is having to make the journey, with the lads asking their respective bosses at their day jobs for an early finish, for nothing,” said Brier.

“We all hope it’s on, for two reasons. We were frustrated on Saturday because of a frozen pitch at Yorkshire Amateur and the lads are keen to test themselves against the top of our league.”

FARSLEY CELTIC were another side left kicking their heels at the weekend but are due back in action tomorrow night.

The Celts are scheduled to make the short journey to Wakefield for a West Riding County Cup second-round tie.