THE Rochdale Hornets versus Oldham Law Cup clash at the Crown Oil Arena, scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed and rearranged for next Wednesday night, January 10, kick-off 7.45pm.
The pitch is under water and is so wet that ground staff can’t even start work on it, although the forecast is for drier weather over the weekend and into next week.
NEWS: Weather causes Law Cup postponement – fixture rearranged for Wednesday, Jan 10.
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Said Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton: “We are bitterly disappointed because everyone at the club has been building up to it. But there was no alternative way forward because of the weather and the state of the pitch.
“The focus now switches to next Wednesday night when we hope to have a big following of Oldham fans at the Crown Oil Arena to watch the team perform against our traditional derby rivals.”
Rochdale FC are away at Doncaster Rovers on Saturday in the third round of the FA Cup, but they are scheduled to play Lincoln City at home next Tuesday night in round three of the EFL Trophy.
Steve Kerr, Hornets chief executive, said: “We have worked extensively with Rochdale AFC to get this game on and we have explored every possible avenue. The ground staff have worked tirelessly to get the pitch ready, but they have been facing an uphill battle. They share our frustration.
“As the weather is forecast to dry up at the weekend, however, we are confident that another five days will give the ground staff ample time to repair the surface.
“They will use waterproof covers and specialist machinery ready for three games in a week. The football club play Lincoln here on Tuesday and then we take on Oldham and Warrington in the space of three days.”
Fans who have already bought tickets for Sunday can use them on Wednesday, while those who are unable to attend in midweek can claim a refund at the Hornets club shop.
