Saturday morning pitch inspections called at Poppies, Steelmen and Diamonds
The area's senior clubs have all announced pitch inspections on Saturday morning ahead of crucial league games.
Kettering Town, AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Corby Town are all due to play at home this weekend, but there is a chance the persistent and heavy rainfall over the past few weeks could still prove problematic.
There will be an inspection at Hayden Road at 9am ahead of Diamonds' Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division clash with Belper Town, and in the same division the Steelmen will do the same at 11am ahead of their scheduled date with Racing Club Warwick.
Inbetween those, at 10am, the Poppies will hold an inspection at Latimer Park ahead of their Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central showdown with fellow play-off hopefuls Banbury United.
Wellingborough Town are the one team on the road this weekend, and they know they will be in action as hosts Coleshill Town have an artifical playing surface at their Pack Meadow home.
The Poppies, Diamonds and Steelmen will all be keeping everything crossed that their games get the go-ahead, as all three clubs’ lack of home fixtures is becoming a serious issue, both on and off the pitch, with no matchday income.
Kettering have been the worst hit, as they haven't played at home for more than two months, with their most recent fixture at Latimer Park way back on December 20 last year.
For the others, Diamonds have not stepped out at Hayden Road since drawing 2-2 with Anstey Nomads on January 20, and the same opposition were involved in Corby's most recent match at Steel Park a few days later, with Nomads winning 2-1 on January 24.
The Steelmen, who also saw their midweek derby date with Wellingborough called off due to a waterlogged pitch on Wednesday night, issued a statement on Friday when announcing Saturday's inspection.
"Following further rainfall today, and with continued rain forecast overnight, there will be a pitch inspection tomorrow at 11am," read the statement.
"At this stage, no volunteers are required. Our groundstaff are working tirelessly to improve conditions and are currently operating new equipment to assist with the removal of surface water.
"Although we experienced a 36-hour period without rain, the impact of 49 consecutive days of rainfall has left significant water accumulation across the pitch.
"Drainage remains extremely slow, and any progress made is being offset by continued saturation.
"We fully understand the frustrations of our supporters, however, the volume of sustained rainfall is beyond the club’s control.
"Please be assured that we are doing everything possible to give the fixture the best possible chance of going ahead. Once surface moisture levels have reduced sufficiently, we will reassess the situation and, if appropriate, call upon volunteers to assist.
"We thank you for your continued support, patience, and understanding."
There were also short statements issued by Kettering and Rushden on Friday.
The Poppies' read: "In view of the recent wet conditions, Kettering Town have arranged for a pitch inspection to be undertaken at Latimer Park at 10am tomorrow.
"A further update will be provided once the outcome of the pitch inspection has been confirmed."
As for Diamonds, they posted: "There will be a 9am pitch inspection tomorrow at Hayden Road before our scheduled home fixture versus Belper Town.
"We will announce the result of this inspection as soon as we have it."