DOZENS of spade-wielding supporters were not able to do enough to save Bury's match against Wrexham yesterday.

The club appealed for volunteers to help shovel snow from the Gigg Lane turf. Many turned up at 8.30am to help but despite their efforts, the referee deemed the pitch unplayable and called the match off.

It is a blow financially as chairman Terry Robinson had expected a bumper New Year's Day crowd.

But manager Andy Preece will be more concerned about missing out on what would have been a vital three points. He was disgusted at the Shakers performance at Swindon on Saturday and was determined to put things right against Wrexham.

Preece had said: "One bad performance at Swindon had spoilt everything that we have achieved over the last few months. It is vital that we lift ourselves back up."

At least the postponement gives extra recovery time to defenders Steve Redmond and Jamie Stuart and midfielder David Borley, all carrying knocks.