ALTRINCHAM face a fixture pile up in March and April, following two further postponements this week.

This has meant that the Robins have fallen to eighth position in the Skrill North league, albeit with games in hand on the teams above them.

Travelling supporters, who had made a 280-mile round trip, were in angry mood as the match referee, Graham Fyvie, called Saturday’s game at Workington off an hour before kick off, despite the fact that the pitch seemed playable and both clubs were keen to get the match on.

Tuesday night saw the Cheshire Senior Cup Quarter Final at Stalybridge called off for a second time and that means that Altrincham have managed to play on just three occasions since the first week of 2014.

Many Robins fans are coming to the conclusion that the solution to the problem of ravaged winter fixture lists lies in the use of artificial pitches and the impressive surface at Partington Sports Village was in perfect condition on Tuesday afternoon as Altrincham Juniors hosted Continental opposition in the form of top Norwegian club, Lillestrøm SK, as part of their week long, pre-season tour in the north west. Altrincham’s under-14 side just missed out in a thrilling see-saw contest that eventually finished 7-6 to the Scandinavians, while the under-16s also did the club proud by drawing 2-2 in a highly competitive game with their Norwegian counterparts, who included further games against Stockport County and Macclesfield Town during their visit.

It is hoped that Skrill North action will return to the J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday when Colwyn Bay are the visitors.

The Welsh side lie ninth in the league but their impressive away form, which has seen them take more points on their travels than any other team in the league, means that they will provide very tough opposition for Lee Sinnott’s side. Kick-off is at 3pm.