Snow chance cup ties were being played

The winter weather caused chaos for the Monklands teams with two huge fixtures falling victim to heavy snowfall.

Gartcairn’s clash with Arthurlie in the Junior Cup was axed with MTC Park blanketed in snow. And Albion Rovers also couldn’t beat the weather to get their cup tie with St Johnstone on – despite a huge effort from volunteers.

Rovers manager Brian Kerr thanked supporters who turned out in the ice cold conditions. He hoped his side would still have a busy week at home with Rovers set to host Stranraer on Saturday.

“It was just a total wipe out, there was about five or six inches of snow and about 40 people out there clearing it,”he told the Advertiser.“It was great to see the support but it was just too much.

“It’s a bit of a concern for the game at the weekend. There are piles of snow and if that melts it could mean the pitch is flooded. We have to hope for some sun .”

Airdrie first-team coach Stephen Findlay is also hoping they can get their game against Arbroath on this weekend – having had issues organising training sessions at the Excelsior Stadium.

Despite the free week, the Diamonds

were not exempt from the issues as the struggled to get their sessions underway due to the Arctic blast.

“The boys are at a high level fitness-wise but you want to get them playing together,”said Findlay.

“We cancelled training last Tuesday and got on a third of the pitch on Thursday.

“It’s very difficult with the sheer amount of snow on the park – but hopefully it lets up and we can get the game on.”

• Albion Rovers were set to face St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup if Cliftonhill beats the weather at the second time of asking.

Frozen out MTC Park is covered in inches of snow, while Rovers boss Brian Kerr (inset) couldn’t prevent Rovers’s Scottish Cup tie with St Johnstone being postponed Rovers photo by Iain McLean