There will be a 11.30am pitch inspection at Saltergate this Friday by a Football League referee as part of the assessment as to whether the Spireites home league against Torquay United this Saturday 16 January can go ahead.

An army of volunteers and groundstaff have moved tons of snow off the Saltergate pitch over the last two days to give the game a chance but there remains some uncertainty as the removal of snow has revealed some solid icy patches.

The safety of spectators is also a key factor and further work is still required to make the spectators areas safe.

There also has to be consultation with the local authorities concerning the safety for spectators on the roads, footpaths and car parks surrounding Saltergate, which are not the responsibility of the football club.  The recent edict from government instructing local authorities to conserve grit and salt supplies for strategic routes means it is unlikely that the public areas surrounding Saltergate will be treated.

The adverse weather has also seriously affected local schools and with the safety of children in mind the club may not have the use of the adjacent St Marys Junior School grounds for car parking.

CFC stadium manager Colin Nellist said: "The volunteers have done a magnificent job and, if in the end we are thwarted, it was still crucial that we moved all the snow off the pitch at this time otherwise future games would have been jeopardised as well."

"The club would like to thank the efforts of the groundstaff and all the volunteers for helping out so well."

He added: "There is still a little more to do and any volunteers are welcome to join us from 10.00am Friday morning."