FA Cup Tie in doubt - Pitch inspection at Roots Hall Friday at 2.00pm

The Little Gazette today spoke to the Blues groundsman Ken Hare on Thurday about the prospects of Saturday’s game going ahead “ The pitch is frozen at the moment and the South Stand end is not getting any sun at the moment, the pitch is unplayable at the moment and the match must be very doubtful at the present time, I would think that we will have an inspection on Friday as Tranmere have a long way to come”.

Steven Clark

Meanwhile it has been confirmed that West Ham United will not allow Steven Clark to play in the FA Cup for Southend United whilst on loan at the Blues, Clark is in his second month loan period having played just twice for the Shrimpers, first against League leaders Plymouth Argyle then against second in the table Luton Town, both times leaving a good impression on the Roots Hall faithful.

Stuart Thurgood, who picked up an ankle knock in the Luton Town game,

Stuart Thurgood

along with groin injury victim Stephen Broad started light training today at Boots and Laces, both must be rated doubtful if Saturday’s match goes ahead, otherwise Player/manager Rob Newman has a full squad to pick from apart from long-term injury victims Mark Beard (Appendix), Ben Smith (ankle and knee) and Jon Brown (leg stress fracture).

Steve Connolly
www.thelittlegazette.com