Angels' visit to Swans hangs in the balance

STAINES TOWN officials' say tomorrow’s second-versus-third showdown against Tonbridge Angels could be frozen off, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Angels will leapfrog over the Swans with a victory at Wheatsheaf Park, but officials of the Middlesex club warn the game could be postponed within four hours of kick off.

“There’ll certainly be an inspection required and I expect this to be before 11:00 at the latest.” Staines Town spokesman Stuart Moore told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this morning.

“I note the temperature, via the Met Office website, is set to be -3c or -4c again tonight right through to at least 6 o’clock tomorrow morning so the chances are very slim indeed.”

Another spokesman, Steve Parsons, says the ground is playable as at 2pm on Friday, but he added: “Match referee Mark Mellor (Hemel Hempstead) has authorised us to have an inspection from a more local referee and David Belbin (Staines) has kindly agreed to do this for us.

“The pitch inspection has been set for 11 o’clock, so that Tonbridge can be stopped from travelling if there is no hope of play.

“Tonbridge Angels are as eager as we are to play tomorrow and have indicated that they would like to travel even if it’s only 50-50, and risk a call-off at kick-off time.

“We thank them for this very positive attitude, especially as we are already behind with our games and would wish to play as long as it is safe to do so.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game if it goes ahead - or it will be added to our list of postponed matches, which will be updated throughout the morning.

Visit Staines Town’s website:  www.stainesmassive.co.uk
(Steve Parsons comments are courtesy of this website)

Visit Tonbridge Angels’ websites: www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk

Staines Town v Tonbridge Angels
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 10^th January 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Wheatsheaf Park, Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines, Middlesex TW18 2PD