Will freeze scupper Bucks v Stafford Rangers?

AFC Telford United look set for a blank Boxing Day with their derby at Stafford Rangers subject to a Christmas Eve pitch inspection, writes JAMES GARRISON.

A check will be made at 3pm on Friday ahead of the Blue Square Bet North clash 48 hours later.

But Stafford officials issued a grim outlook this morning.

"We had snow on the pitch anyway, we have probably had another 3cm this morning and it is frozen underneath," said chairman Mike Hughes.

"If there is any hope at all we will wait until Boxing Day morning before we make a decision.

"But if the forecasters are right - and they largely have been so far - the chances are probably 97.5 per cent against."

Meanwhile, the Bucks - who trained in the dome at TCAT last night - are hopeful their home clashes against Redditch, on December 28, and Stafford on New Year's Day will beat the big freeze.

Five inches of snow is currently lying on top of covers but officials insist the pitch remains in excellent condition.

The club have issued an appeal for volunteers to help clear the snow on Monday from 10am and on Tuesday morning.