Colin Garlick, chief executive/secretary of Rochdale FC, has asked the Football League to have future Barnet fixtures at Spotland Stadium scheduled for very early in the season or very late to avoid the winter months.

After Rochdale beat the Bees 3-0 on Tuesday, after two previous attempts to play the League 2 fixture had been called off at the 11th hour, Garlick apologised to all travelling Barnet supporters for the inconvenience the postponements caused.

He wrote: "Like you I was relieved to get Tuesdays fixture out of the way, obviously I am pleased that we won the game but I agree with Paul's comments in that the score line did not reflect the game, which was a credit to League 2 football, both teams played open exciting football in a very sporting manner.

"This fixture has been of great concern to us both and I do apologise for all the inconvenience the two postponements have caused, I still believe very strongly that the first game should have been played and the postponement of the second game was very unfortunate given the late arrival of heavy rain, which wasn't forecast.

"I just hope that everyone will appreciate that we acted with the best intentions at all times. I send my best wishes to you, Tony, Paul and everyone connected with Barnet Football Club, enjoy the rest of the season and have a good rest in the summer".

Footnote: Rochdale's win keeps them in line for promotion to League 1 ... so Spotland could be off the Barnet agenda next season.

Dennis Signy