Clark has plans to switch focus to Tuesday’s task

A morning inspection is planned at Brisbane Road after a snow shower on Thursday night prompted London referee Dave Bushell to be called in to look at the pitch.

He was largely happy with the condition of the surface but a further inspection is planned at 9.30am by James Linington, the Isle of Wight-based official in charge of the match, to decide if it should go ahead.

Clark is desperate for the game to get the thumbs-up but admits to having already decided on his plans should it be postponed.

The Town manager said: “We are preparing as if the game is on. The forecast isn’t great down south but we have just got to focus in on the game being on.

“We have got a plan, which would be to work towards Sheffield United (who are due at the Galpharm on Tuesday) over the next couple of days.

“We made preparations a few days ago ready for if the Orient game was called off – all aspects have been covered beforehand. The focus would turn towards Sheffield United.”

The arctic weather that has hit the country this week has not only left today’s game in East London in doubt but also caused problems for the Town squad during the week.

Clark explained: “It has affected us in terms of getting on the grass but we have used other facilities such as 3G surfaces, which have been really good for us.

“That kind of surface isn’t ideal for all the players. Those that have had injuries in the past can’t train on it so they have been limited to doing work in the gym.

“The weather is here for us all, so every team has to deal with it in one way or another. Unless you are a big Premier League team who has undersoil heating at their training ground, we are all in the same boat.”

Peter Clarke stayed at home yesterday when the rest of the squad headed south after undergoing surgery on his troublesome hernia.

Clark added: “It (the operation) has gone very well and if he follows the same route as Gary Roberts, who is absolutely flying at the moment, then Peter won’t miss too many games. With the Stevenage game cancelled next weekend (due to FA Cup commitments), we have structured his operation to make sure he misses as few games as possible.”