WEB POLL: Respect for fans saw City make swift decision

The League Two encounter was called off midway through yesterday afternoon after an early inspection that followed heavy snowfall over West Yorkshire.

With more snow expected overnight, City felt the game had no chance of going ahead and moved quickly to make an early decision, in conjunction with other local bodies such as the police and after having sought permission from the Football League.

Rovers were kept informed throughout and, as a result, were able to delay their journey north after initially having planned to train in the Potteries en route.

Lawn said: “The snow that came down from early on Friday was bad enough, but with more on the way there was simply no chance of the game going ahead.

“Of course, we could have delayed a decision in the hope that things would improve and the forecast might be wrong.

“But I feel that supporters 
deserve to be part of the thought process at times like this, and particularly those who are having to make a long journey in difficult circumstances.

“It doesn’t matter if there are 200 coming or 2,000, they all deserve the same respect. It was something that was sorely missing earlier this season when we were at Wycombe.”

City’s trip to Adams Park on December 22 was postponed late on the morning of the game, which meant that the club’s supporters were already en route from Yorkshire.

The numbers travelling that day had been boosted considerably by the Bantams offering free admission and coach travel for just £10 as a ‘thank you’ to supporters.

Lawn, whose club are 11th in the table, added: “Bristol Rovers appreciated being kept in the loop throughout. They had told us of the plan to travel up early on Friday and stop off at Stoke City to use their training facilities.

“We urged them to wait and explained why. At times like this, clubs have to work together.”

No new date has been set for the game, though Tuesday, April 9 is a possibility.

For Bradford, the intervention of the weather is a frustration with Phil Parkinson’s side looking to build on the morale-boosting win over Wycombe in midweek at Valley Parade.

Lawn said: “It is disappointing that the game could not be played, but the weather made it impossible.

“Once you have a win under your belt, the next match can’t come around quick enough – especially when it is the second of three consecutive ones at home. But now we will have to wait until Friday (when Southend United are due at Valley Parade) to play again.”