By Matt Lawton
December 2 2008

Overnight snowfall in Radcliffe means that the Stainton Park pitch has failed an inspection, and as such Genesis' Lancashire Trophy First Round game against Atherton Collieries, scheduled to take place as a 'home' game this evening has been postponed.

On an earlier inspection of the ground, Radcliffe's groundsman believed the snow cover would to be too deep for the game to go ahead, although the forecast for the rest of the day predicted improved weather conditions.

In order to double check proceedings, an official from the Lancashire FA checked the pitch earlier this afternoon and has confirmed that it will be unfit to host the fixture this evening, with a further inspection taking place tomorrow with a view to the fixture being played at Stainton Park on Thursday (4th December) evening.

The tie was originally drawn to take place at Collieries' Alder House home, but this evening's postponement means that the game has been called off no less than five times in recent weeks, meaning Lee Merricks' side haven't played a competitive fixture since drawing 2-2 at Whitby Town earlier this month.