TIVIDALE boss Ian Long was disappointed that his side were denied the opportunity to carry on their recent good form due to Saturday’s game with Stocksbridge Park Steels at The Beeches being postponed.

Local referee, Phil Hardisty, called the game off within minutes of arriving at the ground on Saturday morning due to areas of the field being frozen, as well as waterlogging in the centre circle.

And Long was disappointed that the game once again fell victim to recent weather conditions in the Black Country.

He said “It was really disappointing the game was off.

“We needed to try and continue our momentum but the weather dictated otherwise.”

And ‘Dale, who’s JW Hunt Cup game with Sporting Khalsa was also postponed last Tuesday night are hoping to make significant steps with the playing surface within the next fortnight.

Long added “We’ve (Tividale Management & Officials) had conversations in the past 48 hours regarding the pitch here and we are hopeful of making significant improvements to the surface ahead of game with Romulus in two weeks time.

“We need to do something.”

Former Tipton Town Manager Long insists Tividale have to remain focused ahead of next weekend’s trip to high flying Newcastle Town.

“As things are, we need to train hard and prepare for our game next weekend, which will be extremely tough at Newcastle.

“But, like we showed at Sutton on Boxing Day, we’re very capable of taking something from the game.”