Dale optimistic for weekend game

Rochdale are optimistic that this Saturday's game against Port Vale will go ahead.

Dale are yet to play a game this year after recent fixtures at home to Rotherham and away at Aldershot were hit by the big freeze.

Club groundsman Phil Collinson has been working with volunteer supporters to clear the snow from the Spotland playing surface over the weekend and with three quarters of the snow now removed, club officials are optimistic that this Saturday's game will go ahead.

The club are appealing for more volunteers to come along to Spotland tonight (Monday 11 January) to help clear the rest of the snow. Mr Collinson will be working under the floodlights until 9pm to clear the pitch.

Dale have not played since the 4-1 home win over Morecambe on 28 December but they are by no means alone in suffering from the recent freezing conditions and some League Two sides have suffered much worse.

Dale's promotion rivals Rotherham United haven’t played at all in League Two since winning 4-2 at Bradford City on Saturday 12 December and as a result have lost ground in the title race.

Their game at home to Bournemouth on Saturday was postponed due to safety reasons, along with every other fixture in the division.