Fixtures for Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Hornets called off

Both of this weekend’s fixtures for Rochdale Hornets and Rochdale AFC have been called off due to a frozen pitch.

Following a pitch inspection this morning (Friday 8 February), the decision was made to postpone both fixtures.

Rochdale AFC Chief Executive Colin Garlick said: “What it comes down to is that it won’t take a full stud for the players and then it becomes a safety issue. It’s really disappointing. Obviously we were looking forward to a game and continuing our run and our push.

“The primary factor has to be the players safety and of course you don’t want a farce either, you want to be able to play a proper game and you don’t want players slipping all over the place so it is really disappointing.”

The decision to inspect the pitch this morning rather than later on today was to consider those travelling to Rochdale for the game.

Mr Garlick added: “If there was an opportunity to give it a go then we would take that but it is the right decision. Although it hurts and I am really disappointed about it, the common sense thing is that it is the right decision because there’s no doubt in my mind.

“We have monitored the ground with the ground staff and we can see how it changes and you’ll get a little bit of give on the top surface but one or two mm is not enough, it needs to be able to take a stud for the players to be able to have confidence in the surface and themselves to be able to express themselves and we don’t think we will get that tomorrow.”

It is understood that the game will be rescheduled.

The Rochdale Hornets vs Hunslet Hawks Supporters Direct shield clash has, for the second year running, fallen foul of the weather.

Due to the severe freezing weather conditions experienced over the last week and following a pitch inspection today, the decision has been taken that the Hornets vs Hawks Supporters Direct Shield fixture scheduled for Sunday (8 February) at Spotland is cancelled.

Senior match official Ian Smith inspected the pitch this morning and, following consultation with Hornets, Hunslet Hawks and Denehurst Park Stadium staff and taking into account the weather forecast ahead of the game the decision was made that the significant improvement required to get the game on was not forthcoming.

Temperatures have been recoded as low as minus 8 over the past week leaving the frost covers powerless and despite the attempts of the ground staff to use heaters to thaw areas of the pitch worst hit no improvement has been made, leaving the match officials no option but to cancel the game.

The possibility of reversing the fixture to South Leeds was also explored, but the Hunslet pitch is also unplayable due to frost.

Details on ticket refund for the Hornets game will follow in due course.