TOMORROW’S local derby between Fairford and New College is unlikely to go ahead, according to Fairford boss Paul Braithwaite.

The teams are scheduled to meet at Cinder Lane in Hellenic League Division One West but Braithwaite is preparing himself for a day without competitive action.

He said: “I can’t see it going ahead. I had a little walk on the pitch on Tuesday and it was very wet and squelchy underfoot.

“A couple of balls were thrown on the surface and they didn’t bounce.

“We’re ready for it, the squad’s picked and everyone knows what they are doing, but I can’t see it being on as it’s rained all week and there’s more to come.”

Braithwaite’s opposite number Rob Hopkins shared his rival’s opinion on the likelihood of the game going ahead.

And he admitted that training has been nigh-on impossible this week due to flooding at the college.

“It’s unlikely to be on with the way the weather is,” said Hopkins.

“Other than Monday we haven’t been able to train at all because the pitches behind the college are flooded, not just waterlogged.

“That’s the first time in six years I’ve been there that we haven’t been able to train for that reason.”

Elsewhere, Malmesbury’s home clash with North Leigh seems unlikely to beat the weather, while Purton will hope to have a playable pitch for the visit of Carterton.