PARK Avenue are set for only their second Saturday game of 2016 when they head to AFC Telford’s New Bucks Head Stadium in search of much-needed points.

The recent postponements have seen the clubs below them in the National League North Division gain ground, but boss Martin Drury says the club is doing all it can to get games played.

The expectations were good on the morning of last Saturday’s FA Trophy tie against Nantwich Town and the pitch passed an early inspection, however, the match referee called it off when he arrived.

Drury said: “The club have invested in covers for the pitch and the ground staff and volunteers were out late on Friday night protecting the vulnerable areas, but the temperature just dropped so low.

“It was very frustrating after all the wet weather since Christmas. The board has provided funds for all the work that was done.

“The pitch is so much better now than it has been but there are just a few little problem areas. The patches in front of the main stand that held water are fine now, but there are still some patches at both ends of the pitch and the frost gets a grip in front of the pavilion and dressing rooms.

“A couple of years back we would have had a lot more games postponed so that just shows the improvements. This winter is even bringing problems for the pro clubs so it just shows how extreme it is.”

Drury has made changes to his squad recently by bringing in some new signings, getting a keeper in on loan to cover for Jon Stewart’s suspension while striker James Walshaw has been allowed to join Frickley Athletic on loan.

Because of the postponements and some of the rules on eligibility for the two cup competitions - Avenue are still battling in, the FA Trophy and West Riding County Cup - Drury has not been able to integrate all of the additions.

He has been able to select former Bradford City youth forward Calum Chippendale, who he signed on his release from Barnsley and he has been impressed, Drury added, “Calum is a great lad and he has bags talent.

“He’s sharp, quick footed, moves well on and off the ball and is pacey. He’s a very good footballer and we’re glad to have him. We got a call from a very good friend of ours who is with Barnsley and he alerted us to Calum’s availability.

“We went in for him there and it’s lucky we did because there were a few clubs chasing him. There have been some very promising early signs from him.”