NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh claims criticism of the club due to pitch problems at Rodney Parade is unjust, writes Andrew Penman.

The Exiles have had six home matches postponed since December 21 due to heavy rainfall and drainage problems.

They now face an incredible nine games in March alone but Edinburgh says there is no chance of the season being extended.

“It’s been a tough time for the football club,” said the Exiles boss after Tuesday’s win over Oxford United.

“We’ve been laughed about but I see Crawley’s game was off again and I don’t know if they’ve got a letter from the Football League.

“For 28 of the 31 days in January I counted that it rained and when I see people losing their belongings and their houses I think it is harsh on us.

“We’ve done everything in our power and people have worked tirelessly here, from the ground staff to the chief executive.

“We’ve had a lot to cope with and we’ve had to take it on the chin but what we do as a club is come out fighting.

“We play nine games in March so we’d love the season to be extended but we know it won’t happen,” he added.

“We had the same situation in the Conference last year and we know that play-off dates are in place and the play-off final is set so it won’t happen.

“It could affect us but we’ve got to overcome that.”