ORIENT boss Russell Slade is keeping his fingers crossed that Saturday's game against Huddersfield Town beats the freeze.
An initial pitch inspection on Friday gave an encouraging response and Slade wants that to remain the case when match referee James Linington takes another look at the surface at 9.30am on Saturday.
After losing last weekend's match at Oldham to the weather, Slade and the players are keen to get back to action, especially after a week spent on artificial pitches and in indoor venues.
"The groundstaff, supporters and the stewards who have come in to shift the snow have done a terrific job to give it a chance," he said.
"The surface under the sheets is very good right now, it will depend on the temperatures overnight and we'll keep our fingers crossed that they're okay and the game can go ahead.
"I don't think any player likes missing a week's football. Every player wants to be playing at least one game a week and you can lose that sharpness if you're not careful.
"Whatever you do in training, it doesn't compare to getting out on grass and having a competitive game of football.
"We've had a bit of variety in our training this week and we've tried to keep them occupied with it all, but to get good facilities is not easy.
"We've done what we can to stay ahead of things and ensure that we're doing the best possible."
Huddersfield arrive in E10 having lost only two League matches all season and Slade is well aware of the size of the task facing his team.
He added: "Lee Clark's done a fantastic job to ensure that football club is right up in the shake-up for an automatic slot for the third year running.
"I've got a lot of admiration for him and he's a good man. His team are going to be very tough to play against.
"They've got a fantastic leading goalscoer in Jordan Rhodes, who has 27 this season. But not only that, they've got support everywhere and a good strong squad.
"We will be tested in every area."
This interview appeared first as a TV feature on Orient Player. Click here to subscribe or for more info on our premium web service - available from less than 10p per day!
