No Frew games in the pipeline

Published 13 Jan 2010 14:29 0 Comments

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By Kristian Truelsen

RENFREW'S Emirates Scottish Junior Cup clash with East of Scotland giants Tayport already looks in doubt after the winter weather ravaged the Western Park clubhouse.

The pipes in the social club as well as the dressing rooms froze over this week and are in urgent need of repair.

Despite the harsh winter weather easing off, Frew manager Dougie Mitchell claimed the pitch is still unplayable and even if the park was in a good condition, they still wouldn't be able to play the fourth round tie because of the damage done to the club's facilities.

He said: "I came back from my break last Thursday and they only had one training session.

"There has been a bit of a thaw, but regardless of the pitch condition the game still has no chance of going ahead because the clubhouse has been completely frozen over.

"The pipes in the clubhouse and dressing rooms have frozen and burst and they need repaired, so we are unable to play."

The Frew's home match with Tayport (kick-off 1.45) looks unlikely to go ahead.

It is another blow Renfrew, who haven't played since December 12 against Rutherglen Glencairn, as it promised to be a terrific game against the 2005 cup winners.

Mitchell is gutted his side face another Saturday without competitive action, but was adamant that players' safety remains paramount.

He added: "I know the league is our priority but we were looking forward to the Tayport match.

"It was a big tie for us, but at the moment our preparations are not ideal.

"We have found it difficult getting indoor training facilities because they are fully booked at the moment.

"It is soul destroying not to have games on, but I also have to think about the players' safety.

"It is hard for players to travel in bad weather and you have to think about the chance of

players picking up injuries on the pitch as well.

"We are in dire straits at the moment but everyone is in the same situation - and that's including the senior clubs.

"If the weather does improve pitches will still have to be drained off so I can see the junior fixture list been wiped out again this

week. Everything has been put on the back burner."

This article appeared in The Gazette 13 Jan 10

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