GILLINGHAM'S opening day fixture at Cheltenham on August 11 could be in doubt unless the Gloucestershire club's water supplies are restored.

The current flood crisis in the county means there is a lack of water and Cheltenham's friendly against Wolves on Saturday was moved 40 miles down the road to Kidderminster.

Their home ground, Whaddon Road, has stood up to the deluge well after new drains were installed recently, but health and safety rules mean that without clean running water the club will be unable to stage any football matches at the venue.

A club spokesperson said: "With no running water for catering or sanitary facilities it would be impossible to open Whaddon Road to the public."

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