BURY are facing a hectic promotion run-in - and it is threatening to get worse, writes NEIL BONNAR.

From next weekend the Shakers are scheduled to play twice a week for the next four weeks with the postponed fixtures at Scunthorpe and Rochdale crammed into that period.

The postponement of Saturday's big Lancashire derby at Preston will further test the strength and size of their squad. And after a rearranged date has been fixed for the Deepdale game Gigg Lane chiefs may have to find at least one other free midweek.

For even with five days to spare before the home clash with Hereford United, the fear already is that the Bury pitch may not be fit to stage the game.

Yesterday's big rugby league Challenge Cup fourth round tie between Swinton and Leeds never stood a chance with Gigg Lane falling foul of the severe snowfall.

Several inches of snow formed a blanket over the pitch which has been made bone hard by thick frost and the go-ahead of Saturday's game already looks dependant on a dramatic improvement on the weather. The Deepdale pitch was in perfect condition on Saturday. But the match was called off early Saturday morning due to the snowbound condition of the terraces.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.