First FA Cup match postponed as non-league club issue plea before third round

Salford City’s FA Cup third-round clash with Swindon Town has been called off due to a frozen pitch.

The League Two rivals were scheduled to meet at the Peninsula Stadium at 3pm on Saturday.

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However, the match has become the first FA Cup tie to be struck off by the cold blast across the UK this week.

Temperatures have plummeted in recent days with strong winds and heavy snowfall brought by Storm Goretti.

A Salford statement read: “Sheets have remained on the pitch over the last couple of weeks in anticipation of the forecasted sub-zero temperatures, and heat lamps have been moved around the pitch throughout the week to try and help thaw the pitch out.

“However despite the best efforts of the ground staff there are still parts of the pitch that are frozen, and the decision has been made early in conjunction with the FA and Swindon to prevent unnecessary disruption to travelling supporters.

“We will continue to liaise with both the FA and Swindon Town to find a suitable date for the fixture to be played, and communicate this to supporters at the earliest possible moment.

“Supporters who have purchased match tickets should retain these as they will be valid for the rearranged fixture. Once a new date has been arranged, if you can’t make it then a refund will be available.”

A number of non-league matches have already been postponed, along with three matches in League Two: Oldham vs Notts County, Chesterfield vs Colchester and Accrington Stanley vs Barnet – although more could follow.

The rest of the FA Cup third-round matches currently remain unaffected.

Non-league club issue desperate plea

Macclesfield – the lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup – have appealed for volunteers to ensure their highly-anticipated tie against Crystal Palace goes ahead.

The Eagles travel to face the National League North side at 12:15 on Saturday – live on talkSPORT – but there is a battle to make sure conditions are safe.

“Macclesfield FC are once again requesting the help of the fanbase and the local community to help clear the remainder of the compacted snow from the surrounding areas of the Leasing.com Stadium,” a statement read.

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“Snow remains within the footprint of the stadium from Tuesday’s pitch clearance, which now must be removed from site in order to ensure safe passage in to, out of and around the ground.

“Any assistance with the process, including the aforementioned tools or machinery which can speed this up would be greatly appreciated.

“We advise supporters coming along to help to wrap up warm as temperatures remain low this morning in Macclesfield.”

talkSPORT understands the Silk Men are confident the match will go ahead.

Meanwhile, Cambridge United are due to hold a pitch inspection on Friday ahead of their visit of Birmingham City at 5.45pm on Saturday.