IT could be a case of Groundhog Day for Nelson when they take on Oldham Town tonight.

For this was the fixture which was abandoned after 80 minutes because of a frozen pitch two weeks ago when Nelson were leading 1-0 thanks to Paul Sconce's first-half strike.

Manager Denis Underwood protested to the referee because he thought the result wouldn't stand, but he was reassured that the three points were safe.

However, the decision was left with the league committee and they agreed the game should be replayed.

"When you're 1-0 up with 10 minutes to go they're never going to give you the game," Underwood said.

"I'm sure if the referee had known the result wouldn't stand then he would have played the extra 10 minutes to complete the game because the pitch hadn't deteriorated that much.

"And nobody really wants to play a midweek game unless they have to, especially as we've got a full midweek diary for March and are playing nine games this month."

But Underwood said he would use the glut of fixtures to blood new talent and try different formations in preparation for next season.

Nelson stuck with the same 3-5-2 formation which caused Bacup some problems last week, and they dominated their game on Saturday against Norton United to run out 3-1 winners.

"It helps a lot when we have so many games because it gives me the chance to try new things because I need to see more of some players," he said.

"I'll probably stick with the same formation from Saturday tonight because it's working quite well and something I need to look at for next season.

"And if we play the way we played on Saturday, you would expect us to beat Oldham Town."

Nelson will be without Paddy Connelly, while Andy Banner may start his first game since moving from Colne.

Clitheroe entertain lowly Atherton LR and will be confident on the back of their 2-1 win over Nantwich Town on Saturday.

And manager Lee Sculpher hopes Chris Whittingham continues to make up for their lack of strikers after the winger netted both goals.

"He's very quick and is always a threat. Hopefully he will continue to knock the goals in and should get at least 20 by the end of the season."

Andy Cowking is available after missing Saturday's win, while Adam Gardner is expected to be fit after sustaining a foot injury at the weekend. Lee Cryer is still sidelined, while midfielder John Paul Fagan is unavailable due to college commitments.

Atherton will be smarting from their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Ramsbottom United, who travel to take on Squires Gate tonight. All games kick off at 7.45pm.