The Rams were keen to get the game on but more so visitors London Skolars, who were anxious not to come up in mid-week. It meant hard work and enterprise by groundsman Paul Moore and a few helpers to beat the frost.

He was up in the early hours on Sunday and used several heaters to thaw parts of the pitch in front of the South Stand which do not get the sun. Things paid off and Dewsbury were able to stage their third fixture since Christmas.

Rams’ chairman Mark Sawyer said: “The players were happy with the conditions. Another major factor was both coaches were keen to play. Sometimes matches are called off because of the attitude of the teams but both clubs were very positive.

“We have used heaters before and have pulled up trees to get the Batley game played on Boxing Day and the Bradford fixture two weeks ago when both were in doubt. In normal circumstances all three would have been off and Paul deserves a great deal of credit.”