PHIL Parkinson suffered more fixture frustration at the hands of the weather on Tuesday night, but the rain clouds at least had a silver lining for the Altrincham manager as his injury worries continued to ease.

More rain on the morning of the game left the pitch at The J.Davidson Stadium waterlogged and led to the postponement of an eagerly-awaited top-of-the-table clash with Shaw Lane, Alty's main rivals for the Evo-Stik Premier title.

Disappointed though he was at the inevitable outcome of a lunchtime pitch inspection, Parkinson could at least reflect on the extra recovery time for key defenders Tom Hannigan and James Jones, who should both be fit for Saturday's home game against Sutton Coldfield Town.

Hannigan has not featured since the 1-0 win at Farsley Celtic on January 6, while Jones was withdrawn with a slight hamstring twinge in the second half against Ashton United last week.

"The weather is certainly having a big impact at the moment," said Alty boss Parkinson.

"We've only managed one of the last four Saturday games, after the Buxton match was called off, and now we've lost Tuesday's game with Shaw Lane, which is a big disappointment for everyone.

"We were really hoping it would go ahead, but, equally, it was important the right decision was made, as neither club wanted it on a pitch that was not really playable.

"We were hopeful James would have been available and Tom might have been as well.

"Also, Josh Amis came through Saturday’s reserve game okay and could have been on the bench.

"Clearly these lads now have a few extra days before we play again."

Alty, who have allowed forward Sean Miller to join Trafford on a month's loan, have designated Saturday's visit of Sutton Coldfield as a Football v Homophobia fixture, in a further illustration of their determination to be inclusive and welcoming and to provide a safe environment for all visitors to The J.Davidson Stadium.

The club are again offering £5 entry to Manchester United and City season ticket or membership card holders.