Caretaker boss Mick Tait has voiced his concern over a potential fixture backlog after tomorrow's FA Cup third round clash with Farnborough was thrown into doubt because of the weather.

Darlington have yet to kick a ball in 2003 after their New Year's Day game with Rochdale was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

And Quakers could now see their second game in the space of four days fall victim to the heavy showers which have been causing havoc throughout the Football League. No fewer than 14 games were cancelled on Wednesday and Tait is fearing the worst.

He said: "It would be better if Saturday's game does go ahead otherwise we're going to end up with a fixture backlog. We've already got to rearrange the Swansea game because of the FA Cup and now we've got to sort out a date for Rochdale. It doesn't take much for fixtures to start piling up."

After a hectic Christmas schedule Quakers were relieved of playing their third game in six days following the Rochdale washout.

And while some teams may have been grateful of the break Tait revealed he would sooner have got the game out of the way.

"Obviously the Rochdale postponement has given us a bit of a break, although we would have preferred to have played," said Tait. Quakers expect to receive a decision on the Feethams pitch early today although much will depend on how well the water drains into the nearby River Skerne.

"We may have to get a referee in at lunch time tomorrow before Farnborough set off so we'll just have to wait and see," said Tait.

Meanwhile striker Glenn Naylor is set for a spell on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in training yesterday.

The 30-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place this term after returning from a career-threatening knee injury which restricted him to just six appearances last season.

"Glenn has been trying to knuckle down and get himself fit again and he's been so unlucky," said Tait.

"He's been out a long time and just when we thought he was getting right this happens."

* Fans wishing to buy tickets for the trip to Oxford on January 11 can purchase at a reduced rate if bought in advance.

Pre-sale prices are: adults £14, students (NUS card) £10 and concessions £8. Prices on the day of the game are: adults £17, students (NUS card) £13 and concessions £11.

* Coventry player-boss Gary McAllister has been named Nationwide First Division Manager of the Month for December.

The former Scotland midfielder takes the award after overseeing four wins and a draw during the final month of 2002.

It is McAllister's first Manager of the Month prize since taking over at Highfield Road during the summer.

Wigan's Paul Jewell takes the Second Division gong for the second successive month.

Oxford boss Ian Atkins is the Third Division Manager of the Month.

Read more about the Quakers here.