AFC Telford United battle to remove snow

AFC Telford United were today drafting in dozens of volunteers - and a snow plough - in a bid to save tomorrow's clash with Redditch.

The Bucks have not played since winning 3-0 at Harrogate in the FA Trophy on December 11 and are desperate to get back to business for tomorrow's scheduled Bank Holiday clash.

Supporters were asked to rally to the cause this morning by turning up from 10am to help clear around 6,500 square metres of snow up to five inches thick from the covers on the New Bucks Head pitch.

A snow plough and gritting team have been booked to clear the car park and make sure the stadium surrounds are safe for supporters.

"The pitch has held up very well under the covers," said chairman Lee Carter.

"It had a good forking just before Christmas and could still take a stud then.

"The big issue is being able to clear all the snow in time and we have asked for volunteers to assist."

Temperatures in Telford were expected to peak at around 1c this afternoon but drop back to minus 1c overnight.

And, with that in mind, the club are planning to leave the covers down until at least midday tomorrow.

Meanwhile, boss Andy Sinton had his squad in for training on Boxing Day morning after the trip to Stafford Rangers was postponed.

He will have a full squad available for the Redditch clash while the visitors are likely to include former Birmingham defender Jacob Rowe in their ranks.

Rowe spent a short spell with Telford earlier in the season but could not break into the first team squad.