Football: Busy Blues see play-offs vanish over the horizon as fixtures pile up

LEEK Town fear their growing backlog of fixtures could have a negative impact on their lingering hopes of making the Division One (South) play-offs.

The postponement of last Saturday's home game against leaders Grantham and the abandonment of their Staffs Senior Cup tie at Kidsgrove on Tuesday only added to the problems.

In short, Leek still have a minimum of 18 matches to play with only 12 weeks left of the season.

Leek insist having to rearrange the Grantham game should not be on the agenda.

Club officials were furious when the game was called off by a referee from the Potteries at 10.15am, just before the time Grantham were due to set off for Harrison Park.

Even groundsman/director Chris Hermiston vented his wrath, describing the postponement as "the biggest travesty in my 39 years at the club".

He explained: "The pitch was perfectly playable and the three-hour weather forecasts were more than favourable."

Leek, who were anticipating a good gate against the front runners, believe the postponement cost them in the region of £2,500 in lost revenue.

It was a different story at Kidsgrove on Tuesday where Blues' head of management, Lee Casswell, gave his full backing to the referee for calling off the Senior Cup tie after 35 minutes – even though Leek were a goal up.

The postponement possibly cost Dan Cope his first outing for Blues this season as he sat freezing on the bench after being recalled from Alsager Town.

Cope is included in tomorrow's party to visit third-placed Ilkeston as Leek are unsure about the availability of Jimmy McCarthy.

McCarthy has turned down a move to League of Wales club Airbus UK, but that may not be the end of the matter.

Casswell said: "The fact we accepted an offer from Airbus has alerted a couple of other clubs and Jimmy may have a massive decision to make."

KIDSGROVE manager Peter Ward believes much of their resurgence is down to the return of striker Andy Kinsey.

Kinsey has started the last four games in Grove's run of six without defeat and scored twice.

Ward said: "In today's game you need a big lad who holds the ball up, and Kinsey is a class act.

"I remember Bob Askey being exceptional, but there have not been many since him."

Kidsgrove endured their worst spell of the season when Kinsey, who is 33, and Dave Walker were out injured.

Walker has responded with seven goals in the last nine games as Grove have become a threat again, and Kinsey has played his part in helping create them.

Ward said: "Kinsey is no longer having treatment so he is as fully fit as he can be."

Walker, meanwhile has attracted the interest of Evo-Stik Premier side Stocksbridge Park Steels.

The Sheffield club have put in seven days' notice of approach, but Ward said: "I can't see there being any developments."

Kidsgrove play on the 3G pitch at Sutton Coldfield Town tomorrow so, barring snow, they should get a game.

Danny Smith, Liam Shotton and Walker return, but Danny Griggs picked up an injury in the abandoned Staffs Senior Cup tie against Leek on Tuesday.