Bucks backlog worry

AFC Telford United's fixture nightmares are piling up – with the prospect of four games in seven days looming for Rob Smith's men.

The afternoon cancellation of last night's scheduled Setanta Shield area final at Barrow only served to increase the headaches for Bucks officials.

A provisional date of March 3 has been set for the return to Cumbria for the cup clash, meaning the home game against Harrogate would have been to be re-arranged for a second time.

But the real problems arise if the Bucks win at Barrow and seal a place in final, which has been scheduled for Thursday, March 26.

They would then bring a nightmare run of a trip to Hinckley on March 24, the Setanta Shield final two days later, a home game with Droylsden on Saturday March 2 and a trip to Farsley on the following Tuesday.

"We could find ourselves in that position but we will cross that bridge if and when we come to it," said chairman Lee Carter.

"The fixture situation is becoming a massive concern now.

"March is looking an unbelievable schedule and we have only got a couple of Tuesdays free in April so hopefully it won't get any worse."

Carter admitted he had been left frustrated by the yesterday's postponement, news of which only came through at 1pm.

"We had spoken to two people at Barrow yesterday and they said they were going to look at the pitch, but that is what they do for any match," he added.

"We had even spoken to them about putting food on for the players after the game and there was no indication the game might be called off.

"I think it came as a shock to them that it was off and they also had players who would have served a suspension last night and would have been available for the league on Saturday so I'm sure they would have wanted it on as well."

By JAMES GARRISON