ARGYLE Head Coach Paul Mariner has conceded he is surprised that the Football League has not cancelled more games ahead of the weekend schedule.

The wintry weather has already affected the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and many clubs have taken it upon themselves to cancel their own matches, with more snow forecast for the next 48 hours.

Argyle are set to travel up for Saturday's game at QPR on Friday and Mariner expects the next 48 hours to be crucial.

"I'm a little surprised [the Football League has not cancelled the whole weekend programme]," he said. "I was in London yesterday and I drove back through the terrible conditions, and it was difficult."

The QPR sqaud trained on the Loftus Road pitch on Thursday and their heating system should make the pitch playable. The decision, therefore, will depend on saftey issues for supporters travelling to the game.

""We've been told today that the area around Loftus Road is ok but it depends on the next 48 hours," said Mariner.

"The number one priority is obviously safety. I'm not going to discourage people from watching their teams, but it is pretty tricky."

Liam McGrath