TOWN'S match at Carlisle United tomorrow is in doubt because of heavy frost.
Referee Colin Webster will make a pitch inspection at 10.30am tomorrow.
Brunton Park officials were today "concerned" about the state of the pitch and temperatures are expected to drop as low as minus four degrees tonight.
Parts of the pitch - those out of the sun - are covered and there is no snow on the surface, but a big freeze tonight could scupper the fixture.
More than 1,000 Town fans are expected to make the journey and they are advised to wait for the result of the pitch inspection before setting off.
Manager Peter Jackson - already aware the Town Academy game against Middlesbrough at Emley tomorrow is off because of snow - commented:
"We are on a good run and we are keen to play tomorrow if at all possible because we have prepared well.
"Word came through a couple of weeks ago that the Brunton Park pitch wasn't in the best of shape, so this bad weather was bound to throw in a few question marks."
Jackson has already ruled out both Nat Brown (groin) and Lee Fowler (ankle) and takes a 20-strong squad.
Andy Holdsworth will start at wing-back against Kevin Gray, Tom Cowan, Chris Billy and Co, but Jackson is keeping his midfield selection secret.
Fowler had been due to replace the suspended Tony Carss (a former Carlisle player), but Jackson has plenty of options with Chris Holland, Dwayne Mattis, Rob Edwards, Paul Scott, Adnan Ahmed, Tyrone Thompson and John Thorrington in the squad.
Loan striker Pawel Abbott - selected in the Nationwide Division III team of the week - will come up against his Preston clubmate Kelvin Langmead, who has signed on loan for Carlisle and is expected to be on the bench as manager Paul Simpson gives Craig Farrell a chance alongside Andy Preece up front.
Incidentally, the Football League have announced a three-year sponsorship with Coca Cola from 2004-05 which will end their partnership with Nationwide.
Town will train on Sunday whether they play tomorow or not as Jackson is keen to begin preparations for Tuesday's home clash with Yeovil (7.45).
Fans should note Town's club shop will be closed on Monday morning for stocktaking and will re-open early in the afternoon.
Carlisle United - Glennon, Arnison, Cowan, Andrews, Gray, Billy, Murphy, Simpson, McGill, Preece, Farrell. Subs: To be announced.
Town - (from) Senior, Holdsworth, Lloyd, Clarke, Sodje, Yates, Worthington, Schofield, Booth, Abbott, Newby, Mirfin, Giles, Edwards, Mattis, Holland, Thompson, Thorrington, Ahmed, Scott.
Referee - Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).
