Archived News from December 2020
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SALFORD GAME POSTPONED DUE TO SNOW& DRAINAGE ISSUE
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Tues 29 Dec 2020
Mansfield Town vs Salford City on Tuesday evening was called off at 11.30am on Tuesday morning, after an 11.00am pitch inspection, following an inch of snowfall overnight on Monday night. Groundsman Michael Mez Merriman told mansfieldtown.net: “Because of the effects of the pandemic in the close season, we weren’t able this year to prepare the pitch to its full capacity. There is therefore a drainage issue, which is causing a problem with water getting through the surface and into the drain, as will have been noticeable in our last home game against Southend United.” From my Stagsnet report on that Southend game, I wrote: "A word on the pitch. Both managers commented on it after the game. Nigel Clough said: “The pitch isn't conducive to knocking the ball about.” Southend manager Mark Molesley said “It was soggy and muddy and like a cabbage patch really. It was a really tough pitch and if it had rained it was going to be called off straight away.” The pitch has been in great condition up until this season for several seasons, indeed groundsman Michael Mez Merriman went 4 years without a game being called off for bad weather between 2014 and November 2018. But it is plain to see it is not in good condition now. Lockdown 1.0 may have played a part in this when Mez was on furlough and not able to prepare the pitch." --------------------------------- Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough told iFollow Stags on Wednesday 30th December 2020: “We were disappointed but not too surprised (with the postponement) after getting up and seeing the weather. “We had a photo sent through quite early on by the groundsman (Mez), showing just how much snow was on the pitch. “We knew it was doubtful. Anyone who has seen the games recently has seen how heavy the pitch has been with all the rain that we’ve had. “If that sort of snow melts on it as well, you’ve not got much chance of getting the game on. The referee who came in at around 11am agreed straight away. Clough told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We were disappointed but it's understandable. "I got a message from the groundsman (Mez) yesterday morning saying there was quite a bit of snow on the pitch and, as it settled during the day, it would only add to the water that's on the pitch. "Anyone that's seen the last few home games will know it's been pretty heavy anyway." "You don't want games called off, not on the back of Saturdays win. "But you don't want to a do a Harrogate and be 15 minutes into the game and have it abandoned. (this refers to: Harrogate vs Carlisle was abandoned on Tuesday after 15 minutes). "We're a disappointed, but it's understandable with the weather." ----------------------- Salford match postponed mansfieldtown.net, Tues 29 Dec 2020, 11.30am Mansfield Town’s Sky Bet League Two encounter at home to Salford City has been postponed due to heavy snowfall in Mansfield. The playing surface was deemed unplayable following a pitch inspection at 11am this morning. Head groundsman Michael Merriman said: “The pitch is currently covered in an inch of snow and unfortunately, due to the current circumstances we find ourselves in, we are unable to invite supporters/volunteers into the ground to help clear it in time for this evening’s scheduled kick-off. “Because of the effects of the pandemic in the close season, we weren’t able this year to prepare the pitch to its full capacity. There is therefore a drainage issue, which is causing a problem with water getting through the surface and into the drain, as will have been noticeable in our last home game against Southend United.” Read more at https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2020/december/salford-match/ ----------------- GAME OFF: Mansfield Town vs Salford City December 29, 2020 https://salfordcityfc.co.uk/mansfield-postponed-29122021/ Mansfield Town, Salford City, Mansfield Town vs Salford City, watch Mansfield Town vs Salford CityTonight’s trip to Mansfield Town has been postponed. Due to heavy snowfall in the Nottinghamshire, the decision has been taken to postpone this evening’s game. Supporters who have purchased a match pass for this game will be refunded. A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course, so next up will be Saturday’s trip to Leyton Orient. -------------------- twitter Gary Neville @GNev2 That’s what it’s like here too. I’m surprised it was called off that early (replying to photo with basically no snow) -------------------- |
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