FOREST GREEN secretary Colin Peake is issuing a rallying call for supporters to help clear snow at the New Lawn tomorrow in an effort to stage their Blue Square Premier home clash against Gateshead on Saturday.

Manager Dave Hockaday and his squad will also be in attendance in a concerted effort to get the game on.

Peake said: “Supporters need to join us by bringing large plastic shovels to clear the snow and to report to groundsman Matt Rainey at the ground for 10am at the latest.

“Gateshead are set to stay overnight, so it is imperative that the snow on the pitch is removed on Thursday so a referee can make an initial assessment mid afternoon.”

Hockaday’s side last kicked a ball in the 0-0 draw at Tamworth on December 28 and Peake is desperate to get the game staged to ease cash flow issues.

However, the Football Conference has given Blue Square Premier clubs earlier-than-due money to help them through the fixture-barren period.

Peake added: “Cash flow is very important and we need the income generated from staging the match on Saturday at this bleak time.”

If the game goes ahead on Saturday, Jonathan Smith would be cleared of his suspension and be eligible to play against Notts County in the rearranged FA Cup third round tie next Tuesday.

A pitch inspection at 2pm on Monday resulted in Tuesday night’s clash being postponed.

Local Football League referee Russell Booth carried out the inspection and deemed the playing surface unsuitable for action.

Should a replay be required, it will be played on Saturday, January 23.