TOWN tonight remained confident that tomorrow's Coca-Cola League One clash with Southend (3pm) at the County Ground would go ahead as planned.

The club today launched a large-scale clearing operation at the stadium, officials and volunteers sweeping snow off the pitch covers which were brought in to protect the playing surface earlier this week.

Car parks and surfaces in the immediate vicinity of the ground were also treated, Town calling in lorryloads of grit to help.

Another such operation is planned from 8am tomorrow morning, following a night in which temperatures are forecast to plunge to as low as -4 degrees Celsius.

But the club remain in bullish mood, insisting that local police are also happy the match can continue as planned.

A club spokesman told the Swindon Advertiser: "The pitch is absolulutely fine and we have been out there sweeping the snow off the covers.

"There was also concern about the car parks, but grit has been put down out there and they have also been treated.

"Obviously it will be looked at again in the morning but, at this point, there is no reason why the game cannot take place.''

Work was going on late into this evening under floodlights, while even chief executive Nick Watkins was out on the pitch doing his bit to ensure the match went ahead.

The club are still keen to hear from any volunteers, who can call stadium and operations manager Mark Isaacs on 07525 017305 or go along to the stadium if they can help.

Wheelbarrows are also needed and supporters are also requested to go along at 8am in the morning to assist.

LOG ON TO WWW.SWINDONADVERTISER.CO.UK TOMORROW MORNING FOR ANY FURTHER NEWS AS TO THE STATUS OF THE SOUTHEND GAME