IAN Long has confirmed that Tividale are hopeful that improvements to the playing surface will be enough to ensure this weekend’s Northern Premier League Division One South fixture with Romulus goes ahead.

Tivi have had their last two home fixtures postponed in both league and cup competitions respectively and Long’s fingers are firmly crossed that the game will be played on Saturday.

He said “We need the game on.

“I hope the work we did last week in the centre of the field has helped the situation.

“Having spoken with Ted (Head Groundsman) and Steven (Head of Communications) in the past 24 hours, they are both of the opinion that the surface is much, much better than it was following the Stocksbridge inspection 10 days ago.”

Weather forecasters are predicting more rain later this week and the ‘Dale boss believes that could define whether the improvement work has had the desired effect.

He added “I’m told that the weather is set to deteriorate over the next 48 hours once again and I would suggest that will be the true test as to whether our work will be enough to ensure the match is played on Saturday.

“We have another two week break without a game here following this Saturday where we can talk and look at things again if required.

“After the disappointment of Saturday at Newcastle it will be nice to have a bit of luck and be rewarded with a game to play.”