Bristol Rovers decided not to put covers over the thawed Memorial Ground pitch on Wednesday.

Rovers instead held on 24 hours to speak to Football League officials, to seek any advice possible ahead of their South-West derby against Russell Slade's Yeovil Town on Saturday.

Rovers don't own any pitch covers, but temporarily hired some for last season's FA Cup third round replay against Fulham, which they eventually won 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage, and manager Paul Trollope suggested on Tuesday that covers may be used again ahead of Saturday's tie.

On that occasion, Bristol Rugby Club helped Rovers to find the £45,000 that the special inflatable cover system cost. But the club have not taken that option again, and will speak to the League today in a bid to find the best way forward to get the Yeovil match on.

The Football League released their pitch inspection procedures earlier in the week, in the wake of increasing number of abandoned and postponed games in the recent weeks, due to the below freezing temperatures.

The league's head of communications, John Nagle, said: "Given the low temperatures we are currently experiencing, it is very likely that we will see a number of games being called off in the days ahead.

"Therefore, it is important that clubs do everything they can to prevent supporters making wasted journeys to postponed fixtures."

Rovers chief Paul Trollope yesterday highlighted his desire to get this weekend's match played after their away clash at Crewe's Gresty Road was called off on Tuesday.

He said: "We remain hopeful, because we don't want too long without a game."