Gillingham's Priestfield pitch was under covers again following Wednesday’s reserve match as precaution against an oncoming spell of cold weather.

Youth team members helped groundsman John Plummer lay covers over the playing surface immediately after the game against Aldershot in the week.

Freezing temperatures and the possibility of more snow could play havoc with the sporting calendar again over Christmas and Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler is hoping they don’t miss out on too much action.

“We are worried,” admitted Hessenthaler (pictured). “The cover went straight back after Wednesday’s game. It played pretty well but you can’t legislate for the weather.

“If the snow does come along we’ll do everything in our power to get the game on Saturday on.

“We don’t want to miss out and I know the chairman doesn’t want to from a revenue side. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.

“They are saying we are going to have a white Christmas and that could put the Aldershot game (on Boxing Day) into some doubt depending on what kind of snow we do get.”