EASTLEIGH are moving heaven and earth – well, technically, just the earth – to ensure nothing can put the damper on their massive FA Cup tie against Bolton tomorrow.
The Spitfires are confident the game will go ahead despite the recent deluge and poor forecast after hiring a mini earth-breaker to help dry out the Silverlake Stadium pitch by blowing air under the surface and creating drainage holes.
With the help of fans and volunteers Eastleigh put protective covers on the playing surface on Wednesday night and were pleasantly surprised to get a good drying conditions yesterday, allowing the covers to come off.
“It was a fantastic drying day, sunny and breezy. The gods have been kind to us,” said chief executive Mark Jewell.
“We’re hiring a mini earth breaker and, providing we can get that on the pitch this morning, we’ll put the covers back on this afternoon.
"Then, if it does rain on Saturday morning, we’ll hopefully be in a strong position.”
Thanking Eastleigh fans for all their help in getting the pitch covered, manager Chris Todd said: “They’re as good as gold. It’s a community club and the fans want this game on as much as the football club does.
“It’s vital it goes ahead. It’s too big a game to miss.”
We are very grateful to all the fans who gave up thier time today to help with the pitch covers. #spitfirefamily pic.twitter.com/pEHYYqEHE9
— Eastleigh FC (@eastleighfc) January 6, 2016
@BlakeEfc @eastleighfc 2 BWFC supporters flying into Southampton at 9.15am tomorrow willing to help if we can be of any to ensure games on
— Aidan Lever (@aidanlever) January 8, 2016
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