Pitch withstands the heavy rain

Despite excessive and persistent rain in the West of Scotland in the last few days, Fir Park’s new pitch is holding up remarkably well.

The surface, which was re-laid in the summer, has a new drainage system designed to withstand heavy rain.

And even although storms have left the rest of Lanarkshire mopping up, the driest place in the county is the Motherwell pitch.

Head Groundsman Ian Wilson said, “Everything is looking well and the drains are running fine.

“The pitch has taken five inches of rain in the last 24 hours and even with another four or six inches due, I don’t have any concerns about Saturday.

“It’s really down to the investment and the job done over the summer. We followed the proper rules in terms of prioritising drainage and hopefully that has paid off.

“I can sleep easy now not having to worry about my pitch. I can have a nice long lie knowing that it can take the elements and look after itself.

“Barring a downpour of biblical proportions, I don’t have any fears whatsoever for Saturday. Dangerous conditions on the roads will call off the game long before our pitch will.”