Birmingham City's FA Cup third-round trip to Cambridge United this Saturday is under serious threat from the weather, with the League Two club's pitch still frozen solid and more bad conditions forecast.
Pitch Battle After Grimsby Postponement
The Cledara Abbey Stadium surface is at the centre of a major concern for both clubs. Cambridge's home match against Grimsby Town was called off just last Sunday due to a frozen pitch, and now the same issue jeopardises the visit of Championship side Birmingham City.
Stadium manager Ian Darler confirmed the team of volunteers are doing everything possible to ensure the 5.45pm kick-off on Saturday goes ahead. However, he admitted the situation is precarious, telling BBC Radio Cambridgeshire that losing the Grimsby game was particularly frustrating as it was their first postponement in over 15 years.
Weather Whiplash Creates Perfect Storm
While air temperatures are predicted to rise slightly, the real problem lies beneath the surface. Darler explained the critical issue facing the ground staff in the coming days.
The pitch is currently "absolutely rock hard" from prolonged frost. Forecasts suggest a significant volume of moisture, likely rain, is due from Thursday. Darler warned that if 10-15mm of rain falls onto the still-frozen ground, it will have nowhere to go, creating a waterlogged surface on top of ice.
"We just need a dramatic turn in the temperatures," Darler stated. "People see 'plus four' on the forecast and think that's good, but it feels like minus one or two. The wind chill killed us last time."
Preparations Continue Amid Uncertainty
Despite the clear challenges, there remains a sense of cautious optimism. Television crews are already on site at the Cledara Abbey Stadium setting up their equipment, indicating broadcasters believe the show will go on.
Darler emphasised that the club, which does not have undersoil heating like many larger teams, is relying on its dedicated volunteers and is doing its utmost to prepare. The focus now is on hoping for a sustained thaw to draw the frost out of the pitch before any rain arrives.
The outcome will be a late decision, leaving fans of both Cambridge United and Birmingham City in suspense as they await news on whether their FA Cup weekend will proceed.
