Atherstone United will be calling for volunteers to help fork their pitch if more heavy rain threatens tomorrow’s home match against Gloucester City.

"We need the game to be on because we need the income," says United’s manager Ron Bradbury. "We are fortunate because there are always people who come forward to help fork the pitch to let any surface water drain away. We shall be doing out utmost to get this game on."

Bradbury might have to use the four reserve players who deputised so well in the goalless draw at Hastings. He said:

"I have Gary Redgate, Scott Blair, Paul Olner and Lee Middleton doubtful for the match against Gloucester through injuries. But I have no worries about using the lads who played at Hastings, they were outstanding in a difficult match, especially 24 hours after playing on New Year’s Day."

Bradbury expressed annoyance at a local newspaper story which said he was calling for a mid-season break. He said:

"I said that we were being asked to play too many matches over the holiday period and that players in this league were part-time professionals who also had other jobs of work.

"It is asking a lot to play at Atherstone on New Year’s Day and then 24 hours later play on the south coast at Hastings. But I never said there should be a mid-season break. How could there be? The clubs need the income to keep going."