FOREST GREEN are winning their battle to stage their home match against Gateshead tomorrow.

An army of staff, fans and even prisoners from Leyhill Open Prison have now cleared 240 tons of snow from the New Lawn pitch.

"We are on schedule to clear the remaining 30-40 tons of snow this evening," said groundsman Matt Rainey.

"We are now in the hands of the weather and the match referee who will inspect the pitch in the morning."

Rainey praised the efforts of all involved in the huge snow clearance operation.

He added: "The staff, fans and prisoners from Leyhill have worked hard. Even the manager Dave Hockaday and the players put in a four-hour shift before training."