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    Ange Postecoglou opens up on playing on pitch covered in TOADS as Tottenham prepare to brave 3G Tamworth turf

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU will bid to stop Tottenham’s FA Cup hopes croaking on Tamworth’s plastic 3G pitch on Sunday.But that is nothing compared to the surface the Aussie and his South Melbourne team once played on in Fiji — which was infested with TOADS.Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou doesn’t worry about Tamworth’s plastic 3G pitchCredit: AlamyPostecoglou has had worse than Tamworth’s pitch ahead of Tottenham’s FA Cup matchCredit: GettyIn 1999, Postecoglou’s Aussie side travelled to the Pacific Island for qualifiers ahead of the inaugural Club World Championship and found a ground littered with the amphibian critters.But they showed enough Kermit-ment to reach the finals  a year later and faced Treble-winners Manchester United in Brazil.Postefroglou . . .  sorry, Postecoglou recalled: “Warming up, there were toads which kept jumping on the pitch. At the time, you’re kind of going, ‘Really?’“But when you realise what was at stake — a fair bit of money and the opportunity to play at the Maracana against some of the best teams in the world — it was quite extraordinary.”Read More on FootballThat game 26 years ago was the Oceanic final of qualifying against local side Nadi at Prince Charles Park. South Melbourne won 5-1 and went on to play United, Vasco da Gama and Necaxa of Mexico.The gap between Postecoglou’s Melbourne team and United is similar to the 96 divisional spots between Tottenham and National League Tamworth.United won 2-0 but it was much tighter than had been expected.And the Aussie knows players can pull a ribbit out the hat for the biggest game of their lives.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPostecoglou, 59, added: “We were a semi-pro team playing at the Maracana against the great Manchester United. So there was a fair difference between us.“But qualifying for that tournament probably destroyed our domestic season because players didn’t want to risk getting injured.Ange Postecoglou proud of patched-up Tottenham’s win over Liverpool “We ended up losing but we gave a decent account of ourselves and some of my players, probably played the best game of their lives.“You know Tamworth have had a couple of defeats recently. It’s probably because their mind has been on this game.“What we’re going to face on Sunday is players hoping to play the best game of their lives.” More

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    Aston Villa 2 West Ham 1: Graham Potter delight turns to despair as Villans reach FA Cup fourth round with comeback win

    MORGAN ROGERS ended Graham Potter’s hopes of a magical return to football management.The Aston Villa forward completed an impressive comeback after sub Amadou Onana had equalised five minutes earlier.Morgan Rogers shares his joy at completing a turnaround winCredit: GettyRogers pounced for the Villa winner on 76 minutesCredit: PAGraham Potter had a frustrating eveningCredit: GettyBut there was controversy about Onana’s goal – it came from a corner which should never have been given as it did not hit a West Ham players.Hammers’ players were at ref Tim Robinson who waved away their protests.Villa used the goal as a springboard to complete a third round victory.But it had all looked so different for new Hammers boss Potter after Lucas Paqueta had opened the scoring after nine minutes.READ MORE FOOTBALLWith Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on ITV 2 – and the ex-Brighton boss doing the business on ITV1 it looked like there was wizardy all round.But Villa had other ideas – and after an hour when the FA Cup looked low on their agenda his season, they conjured up a rousing finish on a night when they celebrated the 150th anniversary of their first game.They wore a one-off, commemorative all-black shirt – their original look before adopting the now familiar strip.But it was never going to be a claret and blue derby as West Ham chose white shirts.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAs opposed to the Harry Potter film, this was definitely a black and white movie – and Villa finished with flying colours, albeit with a stroke of luck courtesy of the officials.They also avoided an unwanted record.Where it went wrong for Julen Lopetegui at West HamThey went into the game knowing failure to win meant they would match the longest run of home defeats – non-league excepted –  in FA Cup history, with Rotherham having seven losses in a row between 2002 and 2007.That included defeats to Stevenage and Peterborough United.For a while, it looked like that would happen – but Potte’s new side could not see the game out.He clearly has work to do and the Hammers’ early product suggested they can be a more adventurous side.Potter returned after a 21-month absence from management – against the side who sent him packing from Chelsea.His last match there was a 2-0 home defeat to Villa.The fact that his first game in charge of West Ham was Villa away meant he had come full circle.But he was clearly keen for a new start, applauding the travelling fans as he emerged from the tunnel – and clapping every positive move from his new side.And Hammers showed their intentions inside 50 seconds when Paqueta went close from 20 yards out.Amadou Onana is mobbed after his match-turning equaliserCredit: RexLucas Paqueta drilled an early opener for West HamCredit: GettyBut it did not take long for Potter’s men to make their mark.They took the lead when a ball from the halfway line from Mohammed Kudus found Crysencio Summerville on the right.He picked out Pacqueta whose perfectly placed shot well-placed shot found the net for the Brazilian’s first goal in a month.Both sides then saw key players forced off injured.Niclas Fullkrug limped off to be replaced by ex-Villa striker Danny IngsVilla then lost Ross Barkley after 23 minutes and he was replaced by Onana.The game settled after that but a low Kudus shot was saved by Robin Olsen – in for the injured Emi Martinez.Villa offered little before the break, perhaps a hectic January schedule was on their minds.Unai Emery’s men face two Champions League games against Monaco and Celtic – as well as key Premier League matches.But that did not stop Hammers fans reminding Villa they won the Europa Conference League a year before Emery’s bid ended at the semi-final stage.They sang: “Champions League, you’re having a laugh”.For while, they could enjoy themselves instead of seeing their team ship goals against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.That was beforte Villa finally found their form,.Star midfielder Paqueta celebrates his breakthrough goalCredit: GettyUnai Emery’s side threatened at the start of the second half, but with no cutting edge.Too many of their important players were having an off-night – with mis-placed passes hindering their attempts to get back on level terms.But Villa began to step it up and Ian Maatsen’s shot flew towards goal as keeper Lukasz Fabianski was forced into a rare save with 22 minutes left.That lifted Villa and they levelled the tie through Onana after 70 minutes.Again Maatsen was involved and this time, Fabianski could not hold on to the Dutchman’s shot.The ball fell at the feet of Ollie Watkins – but it was Onana who poked the ball home from close range.Paqueta went down after getting tangled up with Ezri Konsa – but ref Robinson saw nothing wrong with that either as Hammers’ players pointed the error in awarding a corner in the first place.Suddenly Villa were in charge – and they took the lead after 76 minutes.Watkins broke clear on the left and found Rogers with a pinpoint cross that Villa forward tucked away for his of the seventh goal of the season.This was rampant stuff from Villa now and sub Jacob Ramsey shook the woodwork from 18 yards out.READ MORE SUN STORIES More

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    Prem ace arrested on pitch in front of shocked teammates on suspicion of making sex tape without consent

    A PREMIER League footballer was arrested on his training pitch on suspicion of making a sex tape without consent.Shocked teammates looked on as the international star was led away at 11am for six hours of questioning.A Prem ace was dramatically nicked at his training groundCredit: GettyThe star was escorted from the pitch as they trained for this weekend’s FA Cup third round clashCredit: GettyCops later released the player with no further action due to insufficient evidenceCredit: GettyTwo phones were seized by cops, who examined them for footage and video recordings.Premier League stars thought it was a prank when their teammate was arrested on the pitch.A source said: “A lot of stars initially thought it was a prank when two uniformed officers strode on to the pitches during training. Everyone was in disbelief.“Players were open-mouthed. No one was sure what was going on.”Read more Sports NewsThe ace was later released with no further action.He returned to training yesterday and could play in his club’s FA Cup third round fixture this weekend.The Sun understands that cops acted after a woman accused the footballer of secretly filming their sex session despite her allegedly asking him not to.She told friends she felt violated and humiliated when he sent her packing moments after they’d romped in his bed.Most read in FootballShe said she had refused to record a sex tape, or take part in a threesome.Police said: “A man in his 20s was arrested at an address, on suspicion of voyeurism.“It was determined no further action would be taken due to insufficient evidence.”The club refused to comment.AGONY OF VICTIMSREALITY TV star Stephen Bear’s voyeurism court case highlighted the harm the offence can cause victims.The 34-year-old made at least £40,000 on OnlyFans by sharing a CCTV video of him having sex with Georgia Harrison. Bear was jailed for 21 months in 2023 after being found guilty of voyeurism and disclosing a private sexual film. The judge praised Georgia’s bravery and said she had suffered extensive humiliation and embarrassment.Last summer, former Spandau Ballet singer Ross Davidson, 36, of Aberdeen, was convicted of rape, with a court hearing he got a kick out of filming women. More

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    Graham Potter in huge blow as West Ham star Niclas Fullkrug pulls hamstring live on TV and collapses to ground

    NICLAS FULLKRUG was forced off with an injury just 15 minutes into Graham Potter’s first game in charge of West Ham.The German, 31, appeared to pull up with a hamstring issue before falling to the ground.Niclas Fullkrug pulled up with a hamstring injuryCredit: ITVFullkrug, 31, immediately winced in painCredit: GettyThe German was helped off by medical staffCredit: GettyTeam-mate Edson Alvarez attempted to comfort Fullkrug, who winced in pain as he lay on the turf.The striker was subsequently helped off and replaced by Danny Ings.Fullkrug had been making just his 11th appearance for West Ham since his summer switch from Borussia Dortmund.He was previously ruled out for three months of the campaign with an Achilles issue.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe bustling forward had been involved in West Ham’s opening goal at Villa Park in just the ninth minute.He headed a long ball down to Lucas Paqueta, who subsequently passed the ball out wide to Crysencio Summerville.The former Leeds winger drove down the wing before cutting the ball back to Paqueta, who swept a shot beyond Villa keeper Robin Olsen.West Ham are light up front having suffered with several injury issues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMichail Antonio was hospitalised for more than three weeks in December following a frightening car crash.The forward, who was discharged from hospital on December 31, broke his leg in the crash and is sidelined indefinitely.West Ham stars pay tribute to Antonio with special shirts after pal’s horror crashCaptain Jarrod Bowen, meanwhile, fractured his foot in the Hammers’ recent 5-0 defeat to Liverpool.The West Ham favourite is set to be sidelined for around two months with the injury.This leaves new boss Potter with Ings the only fit recognised striker in his squad. Aston Villa suffered an injury blow of their own barely five minutes after Fullkrug was forced off.Ross Barkley pulled up hurt, appearing to signal that he felt discomfort in his ankle.The former Chelsea man received attention from medical staff, before having to go off.Barkley, 31, was replaced by Amadou Onana on 23 minutes.Ross Barkley also suffered an injury during the matchCredit: PABarkley, 31, was forced off by the issueCredit: Getty More

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    Why are Aston Villa wearing black shirts at home for FA Cup clash against West Ham?

    DO not adjust your TV sets – Aston Villa are playing in an all-black strip at home to West Ham in the FA Cup.The big third round clash at Villa Park is commemorating an incredible milestone for the West Midlands club. Ezri Konsa wearing the special all-black Aston Villa kitCredit: avfc.co.ukVilla boss Unai Emery has had an up and down season in the Premier League this season, but the Villans have impressed in the Champions League and the Spaniard will be looking for another cup run to galvanise his side.While for the visitors, new boss Graham Potter is in the dugout for his Hammers debut.Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked after just six months in the job.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhy are Aston Villa wearing all-black shirts?Aston Villa are paying homage to their first kit colourway on their milestone 150th anniversary.To mark the occasion – almost to the day as the club’s first-ever recorded fixture – Villa are wearing a one-off all-black strip against West Ham in the FA Cup tonight.Black is the colour Villa wore first before transitioning into the famous claret and blue.Villa were the first team in the UK to put a crest on their shirts in 1878, and the badge on the anniversary shirt is in tribute to the original Scottish lion which has been redrawn from one of the earliest sources seen.The badge has been redrawn from an early sourced versionThe special kit worn tonight against the Hammers also does not have any sponsors on the front of the shirt.Most read in FA CupBranding will be on the back of the shirt, with Villa saying: “Principal partners Betano and Trade Nation have both kindly donated their branding space back to the club for the fixture, allowing us to create this historic look.”The commemorative strip also has an additional symbol on the front of the shirt inspired by Villa Park’s stained glass windows.The shirt can be bought online at Aston Villa’s official club shop. More

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    I’m a Man Utd star following the footsteps of my dad and aiming to shock Liverpool in biggest game of my career so far

    A MANCHESTER UNITED loanee is looking to end rivals Liverpool’s stunning momentum when Accrington Stanley visit Anfield.The Premier League high-flyers and Accrington face off on Saturday in the third round of the FA Cup.Manchester United loanee Sonny Aljofree plays for Accington Stanley this seasonCredit: RexSonny is the son of ex-Man Utd academy graduate HasneyCredit: GettySonny is determined to beat Liverpool in the FA Cup and was contacted by Man UtdCredit: GettySonny used to watch his dad Hasney take on Liverpool with PlymouthCredit: Sonny AljofreeAnd Sonny Aljofree – the son of United academy graduate Hasney – is expected to line up against the Reds from the start after joining Stanley on loan in August.Sonny, 20, had a feeling he would be locking horns with Man Utd’s biggest rivals before the draw and is relishing the incredible opportunity.The centre-back, who trained with the first team last season despite never making a senior appearance, is set for a full circle moment.Following the FA Cup draw, Hasney, 46, sent his son an old photo of him watching his dad’s former team Plymouth take on Liverpool from the Kop stands in the FA Cup third round back in 2017.Read More on Man UtdSonny told Manchester Evening News: “I was sat in the kitchen, having my tea with my family and I saw Liverpool come up and I had just a funny feeling. “I was like, ‘I can’t play against United at Old Trafford, so the next best thing will probably be Liverpool here’.”I said to my mum, ‘This is gonna be us here’. Obviously, it came up and all of us have just gone off and started cheering.”It’s another chance to learn and gain valuable experience. I think everyone’s up for it, and I definitely am because as a United fan, you want to beat them, so that’s what we’re going there to do, hopefully.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited contacted Sonny after the draw and sent him a powerful message.However, the Manchester giants also urged him to “take it in” and enjoy this incredible opportunity.Man Utd fans say ‘call the game off’ as Ruben Amorim confirms major line-up decision for Arsenal FA Cup clash Sonny added: “[Man Utd told me] Just win. “They’ve told me to [make] sure that I take it in and not just let it go by, so just as much as it is a massive experience and there’ll be nerves around it, just trying to take it in and appreciating the kind of magnitude of the game that I’m hopefully going to be involved in.”Hasney will be one of 50 to 55 friends and family supporting Sonny on the biggest day of his career, which has seen him registering 16 appearances with Accrington across all competitions.The former defender began his career at United before leaving the club without making an appearance. The ex-England youth international went on to play for Bolton, Dundee United, Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Oldham and Swindon Town.He returned to the Red Devils as a youth coach before taking up a role as head of coach education and development in Singapore.Sonny added: “My dad’s always been the one who’s been giving me advice throughout and his thoughts and you take that and do it because he’s been through it. He knows what I’m going through.”I think there’s not that much advice you can give me against Liverpool, except making sure I’m doing all the right things leading up to the game, so I have no excuses when it comes to it. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think that’s what he’s always said to me no matter how you play, you just can’t have any regrets leading up to any game that you’re playing, so you’re leaving it all out there and making sure in your head you’re prepared and ready, doing all the right things leading up to it.”Sonny joined United’s academy at a very young age but has yet to make a senior appearance with the club instead loaning him out to Altrincham before moving him to Accrington.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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    Man Utd fans say ‘call the game off’ as Ruben Amorim confirms major line-up decision for Arsenal FA Cup clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim confirmed Altay Bayindir will play in goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup. United travel to the Emirates on Sunday and do so with some tweaks to the side. Altay Bayindir will play in goal against Arsenal in the FA CupCredit: GettyAmorim revealed Andre Onana will be rested with back-up stopper Bayindir replacing the Cameroonian. He said: “Altay is going to play.” Bayindir – signed for £4.3million from Fenerbahce in September 2023 – has made only four United appearances since joining. They have all been in either the Carabao or FA Cup – failing to play in the Premier League. READ MORE ON MAN UTDBayindir’s most recent came against Tottenham in United’s 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-final loss at Tottenham in December. And the Turkish international was beaten direct from a corner by Son Heung-min.Arsenal are also on a run of scoring from corners – leaving United fans fearing the worst.One said: “Advantage Arsenal then.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnother added: “Game’s over before it even started.”One joked: “Call the game off.”Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?Another said: “Congratulations Arsenal for winning against Man United tomorrow by 3-0, with two goals directly scored from corners.”Reports recently indicated manager Amorim wants to sign a goalkeeper this year to push Onana. And Bayindir’s agent Sefa Seyrek claimed the United No2 has attracted attention elsewhere. Seyrek told Sports Digitale: “Altay had offers from many European clubs last summer. “There are currently clubs that are interested, but Altay wants to stay and play in Manchester. The club definitely does not want to lose Altay.”Andre Onana and back-up keeper BayindirCredit: Alamy More

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    Football postponed LIVE: Latest with many FA Cup third round ties under threat as multiple EFL clashes are called OFF

    IT’S FA Cup weekend – but fixtures are under threat as the big freeze continues across the UK.Preston’s third round clash with Charlton has been postponed after the pitch was deemed unplayable.Multiple matches across the EFL and non-league have been called off because of frozen pitches all around the UK.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFind out about all of the latest postponements through our live blog below…More non-league OFFAn FA Vase game between Walsham Le Willows and Whitstable Town is the latest to be called off.Copy linkCopiedSnow watchHeavy snow in West Yorkshire has led to the cancellation of Frickley Athletic’s game against Bottesford Town.Copy linkCopiedScottish game offAnnan Athletic have confirmed their fixture with Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.Copy linkCopiedDropping like fliesNon-league games in the north are also being heavily affected with several clubs announcing postponements.The following are now off:Darlington vs ChorleyHereford vs WarringtonCurzon Ashton vs Scarborough AthleticBury vs Isle of ManStockbridge Park Steels vs Grimsby BoroughCopy linkCopiedEFL’s bottom side forced to postponeCarlisle were set to host MK Dons tomorrow but a frozen pitch means the match has been called off.Copy linkCopiedNon-league mayhemFour National League fixtures have been called off early.Southend vs HalifaxBarnet vs HartlepoolSutton vs FyldeMaidenhead vs YorkCopy linkCopiedEFL clash offBarrow have confirmed their match against Port Vale has been postponed.A frozen pitch again the cause.Copy linkCopiedPreston vs Charlton offA pitch inspection at Deepdale has deemed the pitch unplayable.The tie has also been re-scheduled for Tuesday, kick-off time 7:45pm.Copy linkCopiedCup clash bites the dustMansfield have called off their third-round clash with Wigan due to a frozen pitch.The match has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, which means the Stags’ League One clash with Exeter has also been moved.Copy linkCopiedHello and welcomeWelcome to SunSport’s football weather tracker, keeping you up to date with all the fixture cancellations ahead of the FA Cup third round.Two EFL games have already been called off due to the frosty conditions, with many more under threat.Northampton vs Barnsley and Shrewsbury vs Huddersfield in League One have been postponed.Copy linkCopied More