It is a never desired intention to punch down in the world of football; but Alfreton Town’s decision to leave it the eleventh hour to postpone their match against Walsall beggars belief. 

Yes, there is an argument that every opportunity should be given for a game to place, but as the Walsall manager himself said to the BBC, common sense prevailed and it should have prevailed a lot sooner, when the pitch-side conditions were visibly Icelandic!

Moving onto a more positive message, the magic of the cup did thaw out in the end. Tears of pride overcame the face of Maidstone United manager, George Elokobi, as he guided his side to a major cupset against Barrow. 

Maidstone are relative minnows compared to Barrow. Especially, considering that the football league side went into the game against the Kentish outfit, with the joint best unbeaten streak in the top four divisions. These moments of ecstasy perhaps place a degree of a Devil’s Advocate caveat to why Alfreton were so keen to have their moment in the sun, live on primetime television. 

Lastly, a word on that stadium setting for York City’s match with Wigan. It was Shakespearean levels of elemental confusion, reminiscent of the Reddit post below. But hey; at least it wasn’t frozen! (I know Monde Sportif readers, I should “Let it go….”)

Goalkeeper Sam Bartram, alone on the pitch, not realizing that the game had been abandoned 15 minutes earlier due to heavy fog – 25 dec 1937
byu/jecinci inColorizedHistory