AS the cold snap bites ever deeper, football matches across the country continue to be called off.

Heading into the final two months of the season, local clubs still have plenty of football to play, although it is looking increasingly unlikely that this weekend’s fixtures will be played.

The groundstaff at non-league clubs often have one of the most unenviable tasks, with water and snow the scourge of many volunteers.

Darren Scorey tends to the Bowers & Pitsea pitch and, while the Isthmian North side are scheduled to play at Barking on Saturday, he says there is often little that can be done.

“We are talking about two inches of snow at the moment,” said Scorey.

“There is not much we can do about it. If we were Heybridge Swifts [who still have 18 league matches to play] you would get everyone up there and would be crying out for volunteers.

“Tuesday night matches turn into Tuesday and Thursday night matches as well.

“When people muck in and you get that result there is no better feeling.

“But the pitch is not in the best shape. I am fielding calls all week about it. It looks unlikely Laindon Orient and the ladies matches on our pitch will go ahead at this time.”

It is not just the groundstaff that are affected. Clubs and supporters have travel arrangements to finalise, with money then becoming a concern.

East Thurrock United manager John Coventry often helps groundsman Mick Stevens with the Rookery Hill pitch and he says logistics in these conditions are often the most difficult thing to organise.

“I cancelled training on Tuesday as we had nowhere to train, but I will get the players in tonight as you can’t go a week between matches without seeing them,” said Coventry.

“But you may end up in a sports hall, which is far from ideal, and then there is the question of whether the players can get there at all.

“Most players are members at gyms and you can ask them to do their own thing, which is fortunate.

“The pitch is covered, the snow will melt and the pitch will then be wet. It is hard at this stage but all we can do is try our best.

“There are the logistics of organising a coach as well, with money becoming a factor.

“There is a lot to think about but all we, and every other club, can do is do our best and hope the weather turns for the better.”