James Hanson is ready to weather the storm against Accrington at Valley Parade tomorrow.

City are determined to beat the heavy rain which has already put paid to an FA Youth Cup tie this week.

They have shelled out £1,000 on hiring specialist drainage machinery and are keeping their fingers crossed the game will survive.

Both teams can expect a very heavy pitch – but that won’t ruffle Hanson.

The big centre forward, fit again after missing the Bournemouth draw with a groin strain, has played in worse with Guiseley and Eccleshill.

He said: “The conditions will be pretty heavy so it’s going to be a good battle and we will have to make sure we come out on top.

“But I’m pretty used to it if it’s like that. I’ve played in all sorts of environments in non-league so a boggy pitch won’t faze me.”

The 6ft 6in targetman has taken everything in his enormous stride so far, leading City’s goal tally with six.

He added: “Before it began, I’d have been happy with that many for the full season because I wasn’t expecting to play that much.

“But it’s worked out well so far. I’ve had a bit of luck with a few of the lads getting injured so I’ve been given a chance and it’s up to me to take it.

“I’ve still got a lot to learn. I won’t let anything go to my head and just keep working hard for the team.

“The games coming up now are winnable but we’ve got to be professional about it. If we show the same work ethic of the past few weeks, hopefully we can get some good results.”

A specialist Gwazae deep verti-draining machine has been working on the pitch. It breaks down soil under the ground and blows through compressed air.

Director of operations David Baldwin said: “The pitch was absolutely saturated on Wednesday and there were pools of water down the side of the main stand. We had to do something.

“Ironically this machine was heading for Accrington Stanley but we spoke to their chairman who agreed to put it back 24 hours so we could use it.”